Leeds immediately sanction exit with James Trafford set to sign

Leeds United’s pursuit of James Trafford appears to be inching closer with goalkeeper Lucas Perri set for a move to Italy.

The Whites are closing in on the Manchester City shot-stopper Trafford, as reported by talkSPORT on Thursday.

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Trafford, who secured a move back to the Etihad last summer, has found first-team football hard to come by since the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And now an impending move to Leeds is set to be finalised after the club entered into negotiations with Torino for Perri.

The Serie A club have made Perri their first-choice target this summer and are confident of completing a deal for the Brazilian.

According to Fabrizio Romano, just a few details remain before the transfer can be completed.

Perri, who enjoyed a 12-month spell at Lyon prior to moving to Elland Road, is understood to be keen on a move to Italy.

Torino had originally proposed a loan deal for the 28-year-old with an option to buy; however, Leeds are understood to want around £8.5million for the star.

His exit should accelerate Trafford’s arrival at the club with the England international keen on a move to Elland Road.

Trafford had been linked with a switch to Newcastle and almost made the move to St James’ Park 12 months ago.

The Magpies’ interest resurfaced again this summer, but no offer has been tabled for the 23-year-old.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke has long admired the ex-Burnley goalkeeper, who is set to become the club’s first-choice between the posts next season.

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AFP

A busy window

Farke has been active so far in the summer transfer window, having added two fresh faces to his squad.

Leeds have wrapped up the signing of Bosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, and he joins free-agent signing Harry Wilson after his departure from Fulham.

Farke led Leeds to a 15th-place finish last season, steering his side away from a relegation dogfight.

The Whites finished nine points above the bottom three thanks to a good run of late-season form.

Leeds kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 22.

Fixtures against Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle follow for Farke’s side, who will be confident of getting early-season points on the board.