Leeds installed as odds-on favourites to beat Aston Villa to deal
Leeds United are edging ever closer to signing James Trafford after being installed as odds-on favourites to complete a deal with Man City.
Trafford struggled for game time at Man City last season after snubbing a move to Newcastle to rejoin his boyhood club.
He returned to the Etihad Stadium believing he would be their number one, but was soon ousted by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Leeds have held a long-term interest in Trafford, but moved to sign Lucas Perri last summer after being promoted to the top flight.
Perri is now set to leave Elland Road, and they are in talks with Man City over a move for Trafford as he returns for pre-season after being at the World Cup.
United have agreed terms with Trafford as they finalise a deal for him to become Daniel Farke's new first-choice stopper.
The England international keeper has also discussed deals with Newcastle and Aston Villa but Leeds are now firmly in the driving seat.
Leeds now odds-on favourites with top bookmaker to be James Trafford's next club
Trafford arrived at City off the back of winning the Championship Golden Glove with Burnley, as he conceded just 16 goals in 45 league games.
He only managed to make four league appearances last season under Pep Guardiola, but was a regular in both cup competitions as they claimed each trophy.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Leeds will have an offer for Trafford accepted by the Citizens soon, with Enzo Maresca content to see him leave.
Widespread reports of their interest have seen numerous top UK bookmakers slash Leeds' odds to be Trafford's next club to 1/5, meaning they are now the clear favourites to sign him.
Leeds set to enter market for another goalkeeper after Trafford deal
Perri has been keen to leave Leeds since he was dropped by Karl Darlow midway through his debut campaign.
The Brazilian stopper only managed to keep three clean sheets in 16 league appearances before being relegated to backup behind the Welsh international by Farke.
Darlow has now joined Man United after his Whites contract expired, while Perri is set to join Torino as the two clubs hold talks over a move.
Trafford's arrival will likely leave him and veteran stopper Alex Cairns as the only senior stars in Farke's goalkeeping department, so he will likely need to enter the market for another glovesman soon.