Leeds United have identified Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as a major target ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to TeamTalk, the Premier League club are willing to meet City’s valuation as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department with a more reliable long-term option.
They had explored the possibility of signing Stefan Ortega last month, but the German goalkeeper joined Nottingham Forest instead.
Despite signing Lucas Perri from French side Olympique Lyon last summer, the club’s goalkeeping situation remains unsettled.
The Brazilian has failed to impress since arriving, struggling for form and consistency before eventually losing his place to Karl Darlow, who is viewed as a short-term fix.
Meanwhile, former first-choice goalkeeper Ilian Meslier appears set to leave the club in the summer after falling down the pecking order.
Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer and was expected to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain has limited his opportunities. The England international has made only 10 appearances this season, five of which came in the EFL Cup.
The 23-year-old fits Leeds United’s goalkeeper profile well, boasting elite ball distribution and Premier League experience, although they could face competition from other clubs interested in his signature.
Trafford is keen on an exit from City at the end of the campaign in search of regular first-team football. A move to Elland Road could be on the cards, offering him the opportunity to revive his career and push himself back into contention for the England national team.
