Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly pushing to sign Leeds United-linked goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
Trafford was sold by Manchester City to Burnley in 2023, but a buy-back clause was activated two years into his Turf Moor stay.
The 23-year-old had seemingly been recruited to be the main man between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium, replacing Ederson, but it did not pan out that way.
He has instead been playing second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was signed from Paris Saint-Germain shortly after Trafford’s return.
James Trafford made his senior England debut in a friendly draw with Uruguay last month.placeholder image
James Trafford made his senior England debut in a friendly draw with Uruguay last month. | Henry Nicholls / AFP via Getty Images
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TEAMtalk, however, have suggested Leeds’ Premier League relegation battle rivals Tottenham are pushing to land the England international.
Manchester City are said to be open to selling and Trafford is thought to be keen on securing a summer exit.
It has even been suggested Trafford would be open to making the move to North London if Spurs lost their Premier League status.
Leeds United’s goalkeeping department
Leeds have some big decisions to make regarding their goalkeeping department when the curtain comes down on the current campaign.
The man signed to be their number one in the last summer window, Lucas Perri, has not made a Premier League appearance since January.
He was signed from Lyon for a reported £15.6m but a series of blunders cost him his spot as Daniel Farke’s goalkeeper of choice.
Lucas Perri recently helped Leeds United book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals - but has been playing the understudy role in the Premier League.placeholder image
Lucas Perri recently helped Leeds United book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals - but has been playing the understudy role in the Premier League. | John Walton/PA Wire
Darlow is enjoying an Indian summer at 35 having initially stuggled for minutes at Elland Road after joining from Newcastle United in 2023.
He has also impressed on the international stage with Wales, although his solid displays were not enough to book the Dragons a place at this summer’s World Cup.
Karl Darlow has made 31 appearances for Leeds United since his move from Newcastle United in 2023.placeholder image
Karl Darlow has made 31 appearances for Leeds United since his move from Newcastle United in 2023. | Michael Regan/Getty Images
He said: “It’s been incredible, hasn’t it really? From when I came in, the club had just been relegated, and then we get into the play-off final, the rollercoaster.
“We felt the lowest of lows losing at Wembley in the play-off final, to then bounce back by winning the league, and then coming into a Premier League season where no team survived who’s come up for the last however many years, and looking like we’ve got a very good chance of doing that.
“It’s been an incredible experience so far and I’m just hoping we can finish this season off the way we want to.”