Leeds United have opened formal negotiations with Manchester City to sign goalkeeper James Trafford this summer. The 23-year-old England international is leaning toward a switch to Elland Road in search of regular first-team football after seeing his playing time restricted at the Etihad Stadium.
Leeds United are pursuing a deal to bring James Trafford to West Yorkshire as the club searches for a definitive solution in goal. The 23-year-old goalkeeper spent the campaign as an understudy at Manchester City and is now seeking a primary starting role elsewhere. Trafford is Leeds’ top target as the club search for a new goalkeeper and negotiations are underway with Manchester City to strike a deal. According to The Athletic, Trafford is ‘leaning towards’ a move to Leeds this summer, despite rival interest from former suitors Newcastle. Transfer expert David Ornstein reported on Thursday afternoon that they are locked into talks with Trafford.
Las Negociaciones con el Manchester City y el Interés del Leeds United
Negotiations are actively underway between Leeds and Manchester City over a transfer for Trafford. Trafford emerged through the academy system at Manchester City and opted to re-sign for the Cityzens despite a rival bid from Newcastle United. He started his career at City, having loan spells at Accrington and Bolton, before leaving for Burnley in 2023. Trafford made 73 appearances for the Clarets before City activated their buy back option last summer for £27m plus add ons. They then signed Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain in September which restricted Trafford. He played 17 times for City last season – four times in the Premier League – after returning to the Etihad from Burnley and won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, though he was pushed out of the No.1 spot by Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day, leading to former manager Pep Guardiola leaving him on the bench. Trafford was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer but did not play. Trafford wants assurances over his first-team role as he looks to challenge.
El Retiro del Newcastle United y la Postura del Manchester City
Newcastle and Aston Villa both held an interest in him this summer, although Villa now expect Emi Martinez to stay at the club. The Athletic reported last month that Newcastle United had rekindled their interest in Trafford, having tried to sign the England international last summer before his move to City. However, the St. James’ Park club are no longer considering a move. Trafford was discussed during talks with City over Sandro Tonali (who eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur) but Newcastle have been looking at alternatives — including Parma’s Zion Suzuki. Newcastle and Aston Villa have also had an interest in the 23 year old this summer, with the Magpies reportedly being deep in discussions over the past few weeks, talks that have not led anywhere between the two sides. Trafford said in February that being No 2 wasn't what I expected
and that he tried to guard against the situation happening
.
La Necesidad del Leeds y el Antecedente en el Burnley
Leeds are looking for a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left Elland Road this summer. Goalkeepers Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain on the books but Perri lost his place to Darlow in the second half of last season and did not play in the Premier League after a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle on 7 January. Trafford, who is keen for game time elsewhere, joins a list of players linked to moves alongside other targets, while his future is managed by family members without a traditional agent, which complicates negotiations.
Fuentes: bbc.co.uk.
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