Leeds United chasing deal for Manchester City goalkeeper

Leeds United have had one priority on their to-do list during the opening months of the Summer transfer window: get a new goalkeeper. This priority comes after the departure of Illan Meslier, who departed Elland Road for a free transfer to the Emirates in North London with Arsenal, leaving The Peacocks with a gaping hole in between the sticks.

One of the initial names linked with Leeds United was that of Zion Suzuki, who at the time was on the global stage with the Japanese National Team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recording a lone clean sheet during The Samurai Blue's Round of 32 run in the tournament. But after Leed's bid for the Japanese keeper fell short of what Parma requires, they've been forced to look elsewhere.

According to a recent report, their search for a keeper has gone from international to domestic, this time looking towards Manchester City.

Leeds in contact with the Cityzens over James Trafford

As reported by The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Peacocks have identified James Trafford as their new target, having recently reached out to the Sky Blues over a move for their back-up keeper. Trafford made his way back to Manchester City, his boyhood club, last season as the Mancunian club looked for a replacement for the recently departed Ederson.

The Englishman would start in between the sticks for the Cityzens' opening slate of games, before the team made a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma before the transfer window shut, effectively reducing Trafford's role on the team to Cup-starter or back-up keeper. When all was said and done, Trafford started 17 games, recording eight clean sheets and 39 saves.

It's not known what the price tag is hanging over Trafford's head by Manchester City, but the two clubs are in discussions. Leeds United aren't the first team tied to Trafford in recent weeks, as Newcastle United were linked with a move, but have opted to move elsewhere.

If Trafford were to depart the Etihad, it would leave the Cityzens with only Marcus Bettinelli to back up their Italian shot-stopper.

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