Leeds in talks to sign Man City keeper Trafford

Leeds are in talks to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.

The England international could leave the Etihad this summer just a year after returning.

Newcastle and Aston Villa both held an interest in him this summer, although Villa now expect Emi Martinez to stay at the club.

Leeds are looking for a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left Elland Road this summer.

Goalkeepers Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain on the books but Perri lost his place to Darlow in the second half of last season and did not play in the Premier League after a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle on 7 January.

Trafford, who was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer but did not play, played 17 times for City last season – four times in the Premier League – after returning to the Etihad from Burnley and won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

He started his career at City, having loan spells at Accrington and Bolton, before leaving for Burnley in 2023.

Trafford made 73 appearances for the Clarets before City activated their buy back option last summer for £27m plus add ons.

They then signed Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain in September which restricted Trafford’s playing time.