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Leeds United wait on transfer development as key deal to change outlook this week

As we prepare to enter a new month tomorrow, so Leeds United are preparing to enter a new phase of their recruitment for the new season. Jaka Bijol arrived last week with his deal finally confirmed by the club days after his medical, with a delay in paperwork stalling the official announcement.

It was just one bit of official news in what has otherwise been a quiet end to the month for Leeds on the transfer front. However, with July set to arrive and bringing with it the start of pre-season training in one week's time, Leeds are set to escalate their search for new players.

That search will, like all clubs, be helped by the transfer window starting to see more business done as the domino effect takes hold and the market becomes awash with money as the number of deals being done increases. For Leeds, that could indeed be the case in terms of their pursuit for a new goalkeeper.

Newcastle United have entered into further talks with Burnley over their goalkeeper James Trafford and are increasingly confident of, landing the player after an offer of £27m was rejected last week. The Magpies are understood to have returned to the table and while no fresh offer is in place, talks are ongoing and it is understood the club will make a strong play to land their target.

Trafford is reportedly keen on a move that brings with it Champions League football, while Trafford's arrival could open the door for Leeds to land current Newcastle number one Nick Pope. Talk of Trafford's eagerness to see a deal done and Newcastle's fresh talks will offer encouragement to Leeds, should they wish to make their move for Pope, who may be unwilling in a World Cup year to risk sitting on the bench at St James' Park as a high-profile back-up.

Leeds will no doubt keep a close eye on developments at Newcastle this week and consider their next steps ahead of the players returning to training, with the hunt for a new goalkeeper continuing. Turkish press last week reported that Fenerbahce had reached an agreement with the Whites for Illan Meslier, with Jose Mourinho keen to secure the services of the 25 year-old.

That is not thought to be the case as things stand, but the Frenchman does appear on the way out and there could be a development this week, which would increase the need for Leeds to bring in a new keeper.

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