Leeds United could be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer with Illan Meslier likely to exit, and Joel Robles going on a free – and at a reported £6m, Manchester City gem James Trafford is an absolute no-brainer.
Trafford, 20, has returned to Manchester City after 18 months on loan at League One side Bolton. He played for the Lancashire-based club a huge 74 times, 52 of which came last term. He boasts stats of 26 clean sheets in those 52.
A wonderful season for Trafford, which has seen him earn the position as England U21’s no.1 for the U21 European Championships. He has kept clean sheets in both of England’s games, 2-0 wins over Czech Republic and Israel.
Alan Nixon reports on the weekend that City are looking for a fee of £6m for the impressive stopper. Given his form in League One and for England’s 21’s – that is a no-brainer for Leeds. A player, that has impressed Cresswell.
Talking to England’s official website about each of his England U21 teammates ahead of the Euros, Cresswell gave his take on the City goalkeeper: “Traff has massive arms and hands. He is a great keeper and an equally great guy.”
Manchester City gem Trafford a no-brainer at £6m for Leeds
We are not going to get better than a player such as Trafford, at that price. His form at Bolton, despite his age, is quite simply stunning. Yes, he is young and maybe a bit of experience would be nice – but Trafford is a wonderkid.
If City are requesting £6m, then Leeds have got to cash in on Meslier and throw part of that sale into a deal for the City talent. Leeds and the Premier League champions have a good relationship when it comes to transfers, of late.
The Whites have got to take advantage of that and raid Pep Guardiola’s side for a goalkeeper that is of course, going to struggle to break into the senior set-up at City – but could be the future in goal for Leeds for many years.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
