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Leeds United FC## Leeds are pushing to get a £40m deal done for Trafford
James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc
15:13, 30 Jul 2026
Leeds United are closing in on the signing of James Trafford from Manchester City in what would be a record-breaking deal for a British goalkeeper, and a record-breaking deal for the Whites as their biggest-ever transfer fee.
The £40m fee plus add-ons makes this a mammoth piece of business for the Whites, who are hoping to conclude the transfer as soon as possible. The 23-year-old seems to have his heart set on a switch to Elland Road, so now it is about completing the deal with Man City.
Trafford has been left at home from City's tour of Asia, with the club flying out on Tuesday to play matches in Hong Kong and Seoul. Leaving Trafford behind is a major sign Man City are ready to let the player go, as is the news that they are closing in on his replacement.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens are closing in on their new number two to play as back up to Gianluigi Donnarumma, which will then enable them to release Trafford to sign at Leeds.
Romano wrote; "Manchester City want Geronimo Rulli as new backup goalkeeper to replace James Trafford. Argentinian GK understood to be keen on the move; Olympique Marseille aware of interest, #MCFC on it."
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The two developments this week in Manchester will only strengthen Leeds' resolve that they can get a deal done soon to allow the player to link up with the squad when they return from America next week, with the Whites set to play Sunderland in the early hours of Friday morning before taking on Liverpool on Sunday.
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