Man City ‘to demand’ £50m for James Trafford as Leeds step up chase | OneFootball

Leeds United have made a new goalkeeper their top priority after a flurry of summer exits, with James Trafford emerging as the leading target. A deal could be expensive.

Chronicle Live reports that Manchester City will only sell the two-time England international for £50m. TalkSPORT has suggested Leeds have moved ahead of Newcastle and that Trafford could become the club’s highest-paid player.

Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier have departed on free transfers to Manchester United and Arsenal, leaving Lucas Perri as the only senior option. Alex Cairns has signed a new contract, largely as third-choice for homegrown quotas. Perri has agreed personal terms with Torino.

Leeds have already signed Harry Wilson on a free and Tarik Muharemovic for £34m, while Max Wober has joined Pascal Struijk in leaving. With Perri potentially departing too, Leeds may need two goalkeepers. Talks to sign Trafford are said to be advancing after earlier links to Zion Suzuki.

The former Burnley stopper was a major thorn during Leeds’ promotion year, then joined City and travelled with England to the World Cup, spending this season as back-up under Pep Guardiola. That figure would shatter the club record set by Georginio Rutter, and affordability remains uncertain.

Any move would be based on Trafford’s standout 2024-25 at Burnley, when he conceded 16 goals in 45. Cole Palmer is a massive fan, and Trafford is England’s future number one. If Leeds can stretch to it, he would be a stunning signing, worth every penny, if they can afford it.

Source: Leedsunited.news