Leeds United are on the verge of a club-record transfer as negotiations with Manchester City for goalkeeper James Trafford near conclusion, according to Sky Sports News.

The proposed deal is understood to be worth at least £40 million plus add-ons — a figure that would represent a record fee for an English goalkeeper. Trafford, 23, made 17 appearances for Manchester City last season, keeping eight clean sheets.

Record-breaking pursuit

Should the move be finalised, it would surpass Leeds' previous record signing: attacker Georginio Rutter, signed from Hoffenheim for approximately £35.5 million in January 2023.

Securing a reliable first-choice goalkeeper has been a clear priority for Leeds this summer. Karl Darlow's departure and an underwhelming debut campaign by Lucas Perri left the club exposed between the posts.

Goalkeeper situation at Elland Road

Perri — dropped by head coach Daniel Farke during the previous season — and third-choice Alex Cairns are currently the only senior goalkeepers on the club's books. The Brazilian has attracted interest from Torino, and a departure remains possible.

However, Leeds are firmly unwilling to sanction Perri's exit before at least one replacement arrives. The imminent arrival of Trafford, an England international, would resolve that pressing issue and hand Farke a genuine number one ahead of the new campaign.