Leeds United are in talks with Manchester City over a deal for goalkeeper James Trafford. The England international is Leeds' primary goalkeeper target. Newcastle and Aston Villa have also shown interest, but Leeds are understood to be the most advanced.

The 23-year-old played 17 times for City in 2025/26, keeping 8 clean sheets. He then travelled to the 2026 World Cup with England, but did not make an appearance for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Leeds have lost goalkeepers Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier this summer, with the pair joining Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. They are hopeful about signing Trafford. Finding a new first‑choice goalkeeper is a priority after Darlow's exit and an unconvincing debut season for Lucas Perri. Perri, who was dropped by Daniel Farke, and third‑choice Alex Cairns are the only senior keepers on Leeds' books. Perri could depart amid interest from Torino, but Leeds are unwilling to part until a replacement arrives.

The club’s key summer business includes the arrival of Tarik Muharemovic, Harry Wilson, and the departures of Pascal Struijk, Isaac Schmidt, Karl Darlow, and Illan Meslier.