Leeds United are in advanced negotiations with Manchester City to sign goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal reportedly exceeding £35 million. The 23-year-old England international is seeking regular first-team football after losing his place at City to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is expected to be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Trafford joined Manchester City last summer from Burnley for around £27 million and was initially expected to compete for the starting role. However, Donnarumma’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain curtailed his opportunities, limiting him to just a handful of league appearances and 13 matches across other competitions during City’s successful FA Cup and Carabao Cup campaigns last season.
While Newcastle United had previously expressed interest in Trafford, their pursuit has cooled, and their focus has shifted to other targets following their recent signing of Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba for £35.5 million. Newcastle have also been involved in negotiations for other emerging talents such as Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi and Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, although some of these deals have yet to materialize or have been withdrawn.
Leeds, under manager Daniel Farke, are seeking a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow’s contract expired and he left for Manchester United on a free transfer. The club’s owners are reportedly prepared to offer competitive wages to secure Trafford’s signature. Discussions between the clubs include the possibility of inserting a release clause in Trafford’s contract, anticipating future transfer interest from higher-ranked clubs. Manchester City is also reportedly considering a first-option clause on any potential future transfer of the goalkeeper, as well as a share of any subsequent sale.
In parallel, Manchester City continue to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. They recently completed the signing of midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million, making him the second-most expensive British player. The club is also engaged in talks with Lille over a potential £85 million deal for Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Additionally, City are looking to recruit further reinforcements, including a winger and a right back, to strengthen depth while Spain international Rodri recovers from back surgery and remains in contract negotiations.
Meanwhile, Newcastle remain in the market for a goalkeeper after stepping back from pursuing Trafford. The club has held internal discussions regarding Brighton’s Carl Rushworth and continue to adjust their transfer strategy to balance developing young talent and managing departures, including the possible exit of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The ongoing transfer activity reflects the competitive efforts of Premier League clubs to enhance their squads ahead of the 2026–27 season, with goalkeeping positions at both Leeds and Newcastle among the areas of active recruitment.