Why James Trafford is on course to finally be England number one as Leeds transfer heats up
James Trafford could be on his way to Leeds United from Manchester City, with the Whites in advanced talks.
Leeds are working on signing a new goalkeeper this transfer window and have taken steps to complete a deal for the former Burnley ace.
Daniel Farke is clearly desperate for a new shot-stopper after Karl Darlow's move to Manchester United as a free agent.
Trafford has now emerged as a leading target at Elland Road after making Thomas Tuchel's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The 23-year-old didn't feature for the Three Lions in North America as he was behind Everton's Jordan Pickford in the pecking order.
At Man City, the Englishman struggled for game time last season due to Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival, but that won't be the case if he moves to West Yorkshire.
Why Thomas Tuchel could finally make James Trafford number one
MOT Leeds News have covered reports of Trafford holding conversations about a possible move to Elland Road.
talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook claimed on Thursday that the goalkeeper's potential switch to the Whites is heating up.
The Man City shot-stopper will undoubtedly be an undisputed starter for the West Yorkshire outfit next season.
Even if Lucas Perri stays, Farke already showed last season that he doesn't trust the former Olympique Lyon star.
With the prospect of regular game time at the Peacocks, Trafford may finally be able to prove himself in the Premier League, something Tuchel has been wanting to see
Sections of the England fanbase raised questions around Pickford's role after some underwhelming performances at the 2026 World Cup, which could open the door for someone to claim the number one spot.
Speaking about Trafford last summer, Tuchel said: "Then we have the very young Trafford who played a fantastic, record-breaking campaign with Burnley and got clean sheets.
"Hopefully he can prove himself in the Premier League next season and then the race is on. It is a fight for every position; there is no exception for goalkeepers."
How James Trafford transfer could affect Daniel Farke future
Farke's contract at Leeds is set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
With 12 months left on the German manager's deal, the Whites will surely be looking to tie him down for longer.
The 49-year-old head coach demanded to see ambition from the West Yorkshire outfit before making any decision on the future.
Trafford's deal would surely represent another feather in the recruitment team's hat after completing a move for Harry Wilson on a free transfer.
The Peacocks are certainly giving Farke enough reasons to continue his project in LS11.