Leeds United are closing in on the signing of goalkeeper Michael Zetterer from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
A significant investment has been made in Leeds’ goalkeeping department this summer, with £40m having been spent on the capture of James Trafford from Manchester City.
The Whites now look set to bolster their ranks further, drafting in an experienced operator to act as Trafford’s understudy.
Michael Zetterer looks set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt for Leeds United.placeholder image
Michael Zetterer looks set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt for Leeds United. | Joern Pollex/Getty Images
Leeds United’s goalkeeper reshuffle
The Yorkshire Post understands Zetterer is travelling for a medical with a view to joining Daniel Farke’s squad.
The 31-year-old’s current employers appear set to land Noah Atubolu on loan from Freiburg, paving the way for Zetterer to link up with the Whites.
Zetterer cut his teeth with SpVgg Unterhaching before moving to Werder Bremen in 2015. He spent a decade in the club’s ranks, amassing 80 appearances before joining Frankfurt last year.
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He penned a four-year deal with Die Adler but looks set to depart after just 28 outings in the club’s colours.
Lucas Perri has started the season as the number two at Elland Road, although The Yorkshire Post understands he has been given permission to join Italian outfit Torino.
Reports have indicated he will head out on loan, with Torino holding an option to make his move permanent.
Change between the sticks
Perri was a £15.6m acquisition from Lyon last summer and was recruited following Illan Meslier’s fall from grace.
Meslier had been dislodged by Karl Darlow, who later leapfrogged Perri in the pecking order after a series of blunders from the Brazilian. Leeds wanted to retain Darlow, only to see the 35-year-old head across the Pennines to join Manchester United upon the expiry of his contract.
Trafford is now the undisputed first-choice in LS11 and has started strongly, keeping clean sheets in back-to-back wins over Nottingham Forest.
James Trafford has made an impressive start to life at Leeds United.placeholder image
James Trafford has made an impressive start to life at Leeds United. | Bruce Rollinson/PA Wire
In a recent interview, ex-England goalkeeper David James said: “Leeds have got an amazing goalkeeper on their hands in James Trafford.
“He could be their goalkeeper for the next decade, and he started off his Leeds career with a clean sheet, so it doesn’t get better than that. I also think he will be England’s goalkeeper for the next 10 years as well, he’s that good.