Leeds close in on Trafford, smashing club transfer record

So, the 23-year-old England international is reportedly packing his bags at the Etihad. This isn't just any transfer; it's a record-smasher for Leeds. Georginio Rutter's £35.5 million move from Hoffenheim back in January 2023? That's now pocket change. Sky Sports News says so.

Trafford logged 17 appearances for Manchester City last season, snagging eight clean sheets as the champions just, well, kept being champions. More history here, too: it'll be a club record fee for an English goalkeeper. Big money for a big job.

This isn't just about spending cash for fun. Leeds *needs* a proper number one. Karl Darlow's gone, and Lucas Perri's first season? Unconvincing. That's a polite way of putting it.

Manager Daniel Farke benched Perri last season, leaving a gaping hole. Currently, it's just Perri and third-stringer Alex Cairns left holding the fort. Not exactly a fearsome duo, is it?

Torino in Serie A has apparently sniffed around Perri. Fine. But Leeds isn't letting anyone walk until they've actually got a new man between the sticks. Perri's exit? It's strictly conditional. Trafford arrives, then maybe Perri goes. Maybe.

This whole saga boils down to Leeds throwing serious money at a serious problem. Goalkeeping has been a mess. They're praying Trafford finally brings some stability to a position that's been anything but.