Leeds United are poised to rival Tottenham, West Ham and Aston Villa for a Man City player as Daniel Farke's side plot a considerable offer, according to a report.
Leeds take on Man City as Farke looks to confirm safety
Saturday evening at Elland Road is not just another Premier League fixture.
Leeds celebrate comeback draw against Chelsea
When Man City come to town for an early evening kick-off under the lights, it represents the kind of occasion that can define a season.
Farke's Leeds sit fifteenth in the table, six points above the relegation zone with 11 games to go.
Staying up has been the singular objective for months now, and every point counts. City, meanwhile, arrive in second place, chasing Arsenal at the top and in the form of a side who genuinely believe they can win the title.
They have scored two or more in the vast majority of their away trips this season. They have won the last five meetings between these clubs.
On paper, it is a mismatch, but Elland Road on a big night is a different animal.
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The Whites will be minus his services for a crucial game.
Opponents have found it an uncomfortable place to come, even in the worst of seasons. Leeds have shown they can compete against top-six opposition — a 2-2 draw at Chelsea and a 1-1 point snatched at Villa Park are proof of that.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line with 10 goals for the campaign, Anton Stach drives the midfield and Farke has built a team that never stops fighting, even if they have wobbled at times.
Noah Okafor misses the game with a hamstring injury, which is a blow.
His pace and direct running would have been ideally suited to testing City's high defensive line. Gabriel Gudmundsson is back fit however, and the squad mood, according to Farke, is positive.
Gudmundsson-Leeds-United
Win, lose or draw on Saturday, one thing is already clear — Farke and the Leeds hierarchy are thinking well beyond this weekend.
The summer transfer window is being mapped out, and the club have identified a major target with a direct connection to the opposition they face this weekend.
Leeds could table 'significant bid' for Man City keeper James Trafford
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds have expressed serious admiration for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford and could table a 'significant bid' for the 23-year-old in the summer window.
James-Trafford-Bernardo-Silva-Ait-Nouri-Doku-Rico-Lewis
The England youth stopper arrived at the Etihad last summer in a £27million deal following his impressive Championship stint at Burnley, but has found himself stuck firmly behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order.
He is frustrated, media sources say, and keen to secure regular first-team football.
Farke has made no secret of his desire to upgrade in goal if Leeds survive.
The Whites boss has reportedly grown underwhelmed with current number one Lucas Perri, who arrived for £13.9m last summer, and Trafford has been identified as the dream replacement.
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A previous report put Leeds' potential offer in the region of £30m — a bold statement of intent from a club that has punched above its weight in the transfer market during the Farke era.
They will face fierce competition, though.
Aston Villa are considered the leading contenders, with Unai Emery's Champions League project a compelling draw. Newcastle United remain firmly in the race too, having pursued Trafford across multiple windows, while Tottenham are also monitoring the situation alongside West Ham.
City ideally want a loan rather than a permanent sale, but with Trafford pushing for a move and the club open to offers if a suitable replacement arrives, a permanent deal this summer remains a genuine possibility.
For Leeds, the message is simple. Stay up first. Then go and get their man.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke celebrates after the match Related
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The Whites are keen on signing a versatile attacker.