Leeds 'absolutely' want to sign James Trafford as update issues on new goalkeeper arrival

Leeds United are still yet to find a solution for their goalkeeping quandary at Elland Road.

The Whites are in desperate need of reinforcements between the sticks ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season.

Karl Darlow usurped Lucas Perri to become first choice for the second half of last season, but has now departed for Manchester United.

Illan Meslier, as expected, left the Whites at the end of his contract, and has now joined Premier League champions Arsenal.

It means Perri, linked with a move to Torino, and emergency back-up Alex Cairns are the only senior options currently available to Daniel Farke.

Several names have been linked, and James Trafford is one who really stands out for Leeds.

Where Leeds United stand on James Trafford transfer

Trafford is back from the World Cup now, where he was part of England's delegation of goalkeepers.

The 23-year-old only returned to Manchester City last summer, and was expected to be the long-term replacement for Ederson.

However, City then signed Gianluigi Donnarumma later in the window, relegating Trafford to second choice and domestic cup duties.

Trafford is said to want out at the Etihad Stadium, and Adam Pope - speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast spoke about the latest rumours linking Leeds with the shot-stopper.

Pope built up to his comments by talking about the fact Leeds are also still being linked to Zion Suzuki, though hinted that he still does not feel there is much in those rumours.

On Trafford, though, he said: "We know it's (signing Trafford) something that they would want, absolutely.

"This hasn't just been overnight thing, has it? This has been talked about for ages."

Which other goalkeepers have Leeds United been linked to?

Leeds' need for at least one, probably two, goalkeepers has been well documented.

Which is why we're probably in silly season a little bit, and goalkeepers are being linked left, right, and centre.

Indeed, in the past few days alone, Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Juventus' Michele Di Gregorio have been mooted as options.

It remains to be seen if there are legs in either of those links, while MOT Leeds News has reported how Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 'keeper Kjell Scherpen is another linked to Leeds.

Trafford would probably be the choice for most supporters, especially given his potential to be England's long-term number one.

But, for now, it feels like patience will have to be shown if Leeds are to pull off that particular deal.