Leeds United emerge as 'serious contenders' to sign Aston Villa-linked James Trafford from Manchester City
Leeds United have reportedly emerged as serious contenders to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
After he developed swiftly as the man between Burnley’s sticks, Manchester City activated a buy-back clause to re-sign Trafford last summer.
He is said to have moved for a £31m fee but lost his spot as Manchester City’s number one to to Gianluigi Donnarumma after just a handful of games.
His relegation to the role of understudy has cast doubt upon his future and Leeds are among those to have been linked with the former England Under-21s international.
Leeds United emerge as ‘serious contenders’
According to TEAMtalk, the Whites have emerged as serious contenders to secure Trafford’s signature in the summer.
A move away from Manchester City is said to be a possibility and it has been suggested Leeds would have a strong chance of signing Trafford if they stay in the Premier League.
However, there is also believed to be interest from fellow Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Leeds United’s goalkeeping situation
Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Leeds in recent years, largely due to the inconsistency of Illan Meslier. Once regarded among Europe’s most promising goalkeepers, the Frenchman has seen his stock plummet.
He was dislodged by Karl Darlow last season before the £15.6m signing of Lucas Perri in the summer pushed him to third in the pecking order.
Darlow has since managed to get himself above Perri and back between the Leeds sticks, leading many to wonder whether Perri has a long-term future at Elland Road.
Trafford would arguably be a significant coup for Leeds given he has already shone in the Premier League at a young age.
A move to Elland Road, meanwhile, could potentially accelerate his development and put him in the frame for the England national team’s number one shirt.
For the time being, Darlow looks set to remain as Daniel Farke’s goalkeeper of choice following his solid display against his former club Nottingham Forest on Friday (February 6).