James Trafford ‘to favour’ Leeds move as talks held with Man City | OneFootball

Leeds United are in talks with Manchester City over James Trafford, and the goalkeeper is understood to favour Elland Road despite Newcastle United interest, The Athletic reports.

The Whites need a new No.1 after Karl Darlow joined Manchester United on a free and Illan Meslier moved to Arsenal. Trafford, 23, has emerged as their top target.

Newcastle pursued him last summer before he rejoined City from Burnley. He returned expecting to be first choice after Ederson moved to Fenerbahce, but Gianluigi Donnarumma's late arrival left him No.2 for 2025/26.

In February he said being second choice was not what he expected and that he had tried to guard against it. He still made 17 appearances across competitions as City won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Trafford wants regular football next season and a No.1 role, with Leeds seen as an ideal fit. Daniel Farke retains Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns, but the club require a new first-choice.

With Trafford leaning towards Leeds, Newcastle are assessing alternatives, including Parma's Zion Suzuki and Brighton's Carl Rushworth. He was Burnley's undisputed No.1 for the previous two seasons and a cornerstone of a defence that conceded just 16 in 46 Championship matches in 2024/25. He debuted for England in March, has two caps, and was in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad this summer.

Source: Leeds Live