James Trafford looks set to leave City this summer. Leeds United are in active talks over a deal, and the keeper is understood to favour the move.
David Ornstein reports Leeds are working to finalise an agreement. Trafford has leaned towards the switch after finding himself second choice behind Gianluigi Donnarumma since returning from Burnley last year.
The 23-year-old made 17 appearances for City last season, keeping eight clean sheets, but has struggled for regular football since Donnarumma’s arrival.
Newcastle have stepped back from the race. Their interest in Trafford surfaced during separate talks over a Sandro Tonali deal that went nowhere. Trafford’s stated preference for Leeds appears to have settled the matter.
Leeds need a keeper. Both senior options departed this summer — Karl Darlow to Man United, Illan Meslier to Arsenal on a free — leaving Daniel Farke with only Lucas Perri and third-choice Alex Cairns.
City’s asking price is around £40m, a fee Leeds can reportedly match. Trafford’s wages remain the outstanding element.
A sale would leave Marcus Bettinelli as City’s senior backup to Donnarumma. Hugo Viana may need to address that before the window shuts.
For Maresca, the reshuffle goes on — Trafford’s exit would be the latest piece of a squad being rebuilt from back to front.
