Leeds are leading the race for the Manchester City goalkeeper after Newcastle opted for other targets
Leeds United are advancing in negotiations to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the newly promoted Premier League side now in pole position to complete the deal. Newcastle United, despite being offered the 23-year-old earlier this summer, never entered the race and instead shifted their focus to alternative goalkeeping targets.
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| Leeds close in on James Trafford transfer as Newcastle end goalkeeper pursuit |
Leeds step up talks for Trafford
Talks between Leeds and Manchester City have accelerated in recent days as Daniel Farke looks to secure a new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2026/27 season. According to reports, Trafford is open to the move, with discussions progressing over the final details of the transfer. Newcastle, who had tracked the England goalkeeper in previous windows, decided against making an approach this summer.
Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley in 2025 for a fee worth up to £31 million after an outstanding Championship campaign. During the 2025/26 season, he made 17 appearances in all competitions for City, keeping eight clean sheets while helping Pep Guardiola's side lift both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Manchester City open to goalkeeper exit
Despite impressing in cup competitions, Trafford found regular Premier League minutes difficult to secure following Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival at the Etihad Stadium. Leeds now see the England international as the ideal long-term solution between the posts as they prepare for their return to the top flight.
If negotiations continue to progress, Trafford could soon become one of Leeds' marquee signings of the summer. With Newcastle no longer involved, the Yorkshire club are confident of reaching a full agreement with Manchester City in the coming days.