Leeds United are in talks with Manchester City to sign James Trafford, with the goalkeeper eyeing a move to Elland Road.
Athletic Last month it was reported that Newcastle United had renewed their interest in Trafford, having attempted to sign the England international last summer ahead of his move to City.
Leeds are looking for a goalkeeper after Karl Darlow, who finished the season as number 1, left on a free transfer to Manchester United.
Trafford, 23, returned to City from Burnley after coming through the academy at the Etihad Stadium and returned under the impression that he would be first choice – but the deadline day addition of Gianluigi Donnarumma has allowed Trafford to serve as the Italian’s back-up for the 2025/26 season. Trafford said in February that being number two was “not what I expected” and that he was “trying to protect myself from that situation”.
Athletic Earlier this week it was reported that Trafford remains Newcastle’s first choice, but the St James’ Park club are considering alternatives including Parma’s Zion Suzuki and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Karl Rushworth. Newcastle have signed 20-year-old Ewen Jauen from Reims and top player Nick Pope could leave if another senior option is offered.
Leeds’ second choice remains Lucas Perry, who signed a four-year deal with Lyon last summer, and third choice Alex Cairns.
Trafford made 17 appearances in the 2025/26 season, including every League Cup and FA Cup tie as City won both trophies.
He was Burnley’s undisputed No. 1 in the previous two seasons and was an integral member of a defense that conceded just 16 goals in 46 league games as Scott Parker’s side won promotion to the Premier League in 2024–25.
Trafford made his England debut in March, his first of two caps, and was part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.
A move to Trafford would be a ‘coup’
Analysis by Leeds correspondent Beren Cross
It would be a significant coup for Leeds if they manage to pull it off. Trafford is one of Europe’s rising goalkeeping stars and has a good chance of starting for half the Premier League teams.
It’s no secret that Trafford wants to play much more regularly than he did last season for City and he will be the undisputed number one at Elland Road. The West Yorkshire side will also build on the platform they provided Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach upon their return to their national teams.
United have seen first-hand how impressive the 23-year-old can be between the sticks. Leeds were in contention for the title with Trafford’s Burnley in the 2024/25 season, with the goalkeeper conceding just 16 goals in 45 league appearances.
Leeds are hoping Trafford will be their long-term solution between the sticks. Illan Meslier has finally moved on after a long layoff at Elland Road. Lucas Perry has endured a difficult first season in England. Meanwhile, Karl Darlow has left, but even if he had stayed, he is unlikely to be number one for the upcoming campaign.
Harry Wilson, an experienced top-flight operator who was enjoying the best season of his career, had already been recruited for free. One of the club’s biggest ever fees was spent on Tarik Murahemovic, but Trafford could end up being their biggest business this summer.