Leeds are in talks with Manchester City over the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford, with the England international understood to favour a move to Elland Road. Leeds are in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper after Karl Darlow left the club on a free transfer to join Manchester United.Trafford, 23, returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer after progressing through the clubs academy. He expected to become Citys first-choice goalkeeper but instead spent most of the 2025-26 season as Gianluigi Donnarummas understudy following the Italians arrival on deadline day.Speaking in February, Trafford admitted the role was not what I expected and said he had tried to avoid finding himself in that position.Newcastle remained interested in the goalkeeper after attempting to sign him last summer, but have also explored alternative options, including Parmas Zion Suzuki and Brightons Carl Rushworth.The Magpies have already signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims, while current first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope could leave if another senior shot-stopper arrives, although the latest reports suggest interest has cooled.Leeds still have Lucas Perri, who joined from Lyon last summer, and Alex Cairns on their books, but are keen to strengthen between the posts ahead of the new season.Trafford made 17 appearances for City during the 2025-26 campaign, featuring throughout both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as Pep Guardiolas side lifted both trophies.Before returning to the Etihad Stadium, Trafford established himself as Burnleys first-choice goalkeeper over two seasons, playing a key role in Scott Parkers side winning promotion to the Premier League after conceding just 16 goals in 46 Championship matches during the 2024-25 season.He made his senior England debut in March, earned a second cap later that month and was included in Thomas Tuchels squad for this summers World Cup. Topics James Trafford Leeds United F.C. Manchester City F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read BREAKING: Phil Foden signs new four-year contract at Manchester City Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026 Premier League: The ONE player your club should sign this summer Jon Fisher 21st July, 2026 Guardiola holds talks with Italy and considers swift return to football management Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full England fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 19th July, 2026 England 6-4 France: World Cup 2026 report, result goals as Saka scores hat-trick and Kylian Mbappe moves above Lionel Messi as top scorer Ben Miller 19th July, 2026 England vs France live: Kylian Mbappe cant believe World Cup 2026 goals as Rice, Konsa and Saka give Three Lions 4-0 first-half lead in play off Ben Miller 18th July, 2026
