James Trafford gives Leeds United green light for transfer despite Newcastle negotiation

Manchester City's James Trafford has emerged as a priority target for Leeds United as Daniel Farke tries to sign a new goalkeeper this summer

Leeds United are in talks with Manchester City over a move for James Trafford. The Whites are in the market for a new goalkeeper after losing Karl Darlow, who ended last season as No.1 to Manchester United on a free transfer, and Illan Meslier after he joined Arsenal.

Trafford, 23, has since emerged as Leeds' top target for that position, and the club is now in talks to sign him, according to The Athletic.

It's added that, despite strong interest from Newcastle United, the City shot-stopper is leaning towards a move to Elland Road.

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Newcastle wanted to sign Trafford last summer before he decided to re-join City from Burnley. He returned to the Etihad Stadium under the impression he would be first choice following Ederson's move to Fenerbahce.

However, the addition of Gianluigi Donnarumma late in the window saw Trafford drop down to No.2 and act as the back-up goalkeeper throughout the 2025/26 season.

Trafford said in February that being second choice at City "wasn't what I expected" and that he "tried to guard against the situation happening". He still managed to make 17 appearances across all competitions for City and helped them win both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

But he is keen to have first-team football next season and become a No.1 in the Premier League. That is where Leeds could come as the perfect next destination for Trafford, with the Whites desperate for a new first-choice.

Farke does still have second-choice Lucas Perri, signed from Lyon on a four-year deal last summer, and third-choice Alex Cairns on their books, but a new No.1 is needed ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Given Trafford does prefer a move to Leeds, Eddie Howe's side are looking at alternatives - including Parma's Zion Suzuki and Brighton's Carl Rushworth.

Trafford was Burnley's undisputed No.1 in the previous two seasons before he moved to City, and was a key member of the defence that conceded just 16 goals in 46 Championship matches in 2024/25.

The Cockermouth-born stopper made his England debut in March, his first of two international caps, and was a part of Thomas Tuchel's squad at the World Cup this summer.

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