Leeds close in on 'dream signing' as new James Trafford bid to be accepted
Leeds United are closing in on an agreement to sign James Trafford from Manchester City after he emerged as their "dream target".
The 23-year-old has been closely monitored by Leeds' scouts since his time at Burnley, and his availability placed them on high alert, with formal discussions now underway.
Man City have been open to offers for the England international all summer, and the move is now accelerating after he returned from the World Cup.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Trafford is seen as a clear upgrade on Leeds' current options, and they are now in pole position to agree terms.
The goalkeeper has also been a target for other Premier League rivals including the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa, but Leeds are now the front-runners.
Talks with Man City are expected to go smoothly, while Trafford is also keen on the move, as Daniel Farke accelerates plans to strengthen his squad.
Will James Trafford sign for Leeds United?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in April that Leeds could fend off competition from Newcastle and Tottenham to agree a deal for Trafford.
That came thanks to the offer of regular first-team football at Elland Road, where he is guaranteed to be one of the star names on Farke's teamsheet this season.
Signing a new goalkeeper has been the top priority for Leeds this summer, and they are now closing in on their top target, with Farke expected to be delighted by the news.
"James Trafford is a top-class goalkeeper, there's no doubting that," Brown told Football Insider.
"He was fantastic for Burnley in the Championship and earned that move to Man City, where by all accounts he was expecting to be the first choice goalkeeper under Guardiola.
"It obviously didn't work out that way, the opportunity to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma came up and it wasn't something they wanted to miss out on.
"But Trafford hasn't been happy at Man City, and that's why you've had clubs like Leeds looking to lure him away with more regular football.
"It now seems like Leeds are pushing to get that deal done, because they're not happy with their current options and view Trafford as a real upgrade on what they've got.
"He would be the dream signing for Leeds, really. Daniel Farke has been keen to strengthen his squad, so I'm sure he will be delighted if they can get this deal over the line.
"Plus, Trafford is keen to make a move away from Man City, so I expect they will now be ready to let him go for the right price.
"Especially now that he has returned from the World Cup, I expect his future to be decided soon so that he can come in for the majority of pre-season with his new side."
Which other clubs were interested in Trafford?
Leeds' move to sign Trafford has not come without competition, as clubs including Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have been keeping tabs on his situation.
The Magpies in particular have been strong admirers of the goalkeeper, having missed out on signing him last summer when he opted to join Man City instead.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Newcastle are now eyeing a deal to sign Brighton's Carl Rushworth and may have moved on from Trafford.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are assessing the future of Emiliano Martinez and will only move for a new shot-stopper should they decide to cash in on the World Cup finalist.
Tottenham are in a similar boat as they expect Guglielmo Vicario to move on, but have shifted their interest away from Trafford, with other options now on their radar.