James Trafford is Leeds United’s no.1 priority to fill the void left by Karl Darlow between the Elland Road sticks this summer. But others are on Leeds’ radar, at least until Ipswich Town struck a deal.
With Darlow gone and Illan Meslier also leaving Leeds this summer, the Whites are left with Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns. The latter is only considered a third-choice option, an emergency goalkeeper.
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Perri struggled last season following his £15.6m move from Lyon. Despite redeeming himself slightly in The FA Cup, Perri is also a contender to depart this summer and has agreed personal terms with Torino.
Leeds not only need a new starting option between the sticks, but a back-up goalkeeper too. Trafford is the obvious contender and all the signs suggest Leeds are edging towards a £40m club-record transfer.
Ipswich beat Leeds in race to sign Kjell Scherpen
But Trafford is not the only goalkeeper on Leeds’ list. The Whites have been linked with Zion Suzuki, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and plenty more. Another name is Union Saint-Gilloise stopper Kjell Scherpen.
Bought by USG last summer, Scherpen kept an impressive 21 clean sheets in 43 games last season, only conceding 38 times. Leeds were keen on a deal for the Dutchman but those chances have now faded.
That is because Fabrizio Romano reports on Monday morning that Leeds’ Premier League rivals Ipswich Town have agreed an £11m deal to sign the goalkeeper. More frustration as Leeds’ wait goes on.
Romano posted on X: “Kjell Scherpen has completed his medical at Ipswich Town today ahead of €10m plus €3m add-ons move. Brighton had 40% sell-on clause from USG as part of the deal.”
What is the status of Leeds’ £40m move for James Trafford?
Scherpen might not have started over Trafford, but the Dutchman might well have been considered as Leeds’ back-up goalkeeper. Finding a second-choice stopper is going to be difficult this summer.
Leeds are closing in on a deal for James Trafford! What is your instant reaction! 👀😍
How much would you pay for him?
If Trafford does join, as expected, then another goalkeeper due to arrive will do so knowing he will be second choice. A difficult job to convince any shot-stopper that is worthy of Premier League football.
As things stand, Leeds have moved ahead of Newcastle in the race for Trafford. He is supposedly keen to join and Leeds are willing to pay £40m. There has been nothing to suggest that does not remain the case.
But as the days tick by, and the opener against Nottingham Forest draws closer on August 22, Leeds fans will grow impatient at a lack of movement between the sticks, especially with two goalkeepers required.
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