James Trafford to Leeds United: Holiday delay, transfer fee and wages

James Trafford is still yet to be officially announced as a Leeds United player.

It is no secret that the Whites are closing in on the Manchester City goalkeeper ahead of the Premier League starting.

Karl Darlow has left for Manchester United, while Illan Meslier is already at Arsenal, in a summer of change at Elland Road.

Trafford was the dream signing for Daniel Farke, and the 49ers Enterprises appear to have delivered.

But, despite that, Leeds fans are starting to get worried as things appear to go radio silent in LS11.

MOT Leeds News has heavily covered Trafford's impending transfer, so here's where we stand.

Holiday delays transfer announcement for James Trafford

Despite not playing a single minute, Trafford was with the England squad at the World Cup this summer.

FIFA rules state that players get a mandatory 21 day holiday after the tournament, which is playing a part in this delay.

But, Tarik Muharemovic had the same.

The Bosnian defender returned from his holiday early, completed his medical and signing, before jetting away again.

Muharemovic also cost Leeds a pretty penny at £34million, but is proof that it can be done around a player's break.

How much will James Trafford cost?

It's widely shared that Leeds will break their transfer record to bring in their new number one goalkeeper.

Leeds will pay up to £45m to get it done, with Manchester City already closing in on their replacement.

Geronimo Rulli is set to sign at the Etihad Stadium from Marseille, and could actually be announced before Trafford.

Once that's done, Trafford to Leeds can be considered a formality.

What wages will Trafford earn at Elland Road?

Not only is it a record fee, but his wages will reflect that too.

Trafford is set to earn £130,000-a-week, with Leeds making him their highest-earning player to get a deal over the line.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu will be close to that, but it shows the ambition on show in West Yorkshire.

Leeds are looking to push on after surviving in their first season back in the Premier League, and this is exactly how you do it.

So, when could Trafford be announced?

Assuming England returned home on 19 July, the 21 days would take Trafford to 9 August.

But, that's if he doesn't take his medical during that time and get things done before returning to his break.

Leeds start the season on 22 August at Nottingham Forest and do have two friendlies between that later date and then.

Trafford is on his way, you may just have to be patient for another few days.