Why Leeds have played a blinder as details emerge over imminent Lucas Perri exit

Leeds United are finally ready to wave goodbye to Lucas Perri, but only on their own terms.

James Trafford's imminent arrival at Elland Road has paved the way for Perri to move on.

Perri was signed to be first choice a year ago, but he was dropped by Daniel Farke as Karl Darlow was preferred.

With Darlow gone, as well as Illan Meslier, Leeds have been left with just the Brazilian and Alex Cairns to choose from.

Perri has now been given the all clear to join Torino, with fresh details over the agreement emerging.

And it is fair to say Leeds have pulled off some smart business when it comes to their back-up keeper.

Lucas Perri could be back at Leeds next year

MOT Leeds News relayed reports on Monday of Trafford now being on the verge of signing for Leeds.

He will become Leeds' record signing at £40million, plus the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.

Around the same time those reports emerged, Toro News reported Leeds have now reached a verbal agreement with Torino over a move for Perri.

The move could go through in hours, it was claimed, with Perri joining Torino on an initial loan.

Interestingly, the deal does not include an obligation to purchase the 28-year-old permanently next summer, but rather an option to.

Why Perri loan exit makes most sense

There is an argument to be had that Leeds should, somewhat selfishly, keep hold of Perri to act as back-up once again this term.

He was deputy to Darlow for much of last season and would be very much second choice to Trafford if he stuck around this season.

However, allowing Perri to join Torino and - fingers crossed - regain some confidence is in the best interest of both the player and Leeds.

If Perri shines in Serie A, that will do Leeds no harm in terms of his transfer value rising back to the levels we saw last summer.

For this to be a real positive, however, it may well be that another goalkeeper is sought by Leeds on top of the Trafford deal.

Cairns is surely not a good enough option to have as back-up, so that is something that will need to be addressed with time.

For Perri, though, this is a chance to get his career back on track before the situation is re-evaluated a year from now.