Leeds United plot £30m Manchester City raid in transfer battle with Tottenham
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a Manchester City player in the summer.
Manchester City go into their next game against Fulham, hoping to close the gap to rivals Arsenal to just three points. Pep Guardiola’s side hope to go on a run and re-ignite their title chances this season, but it won’t be easy against Fulham.
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The Cottagers have scored five goals in their last three matches, but look defensively vulnerable, a trait we saw the last time the teams met, as Manchester City secured a stunning 5-4 win at Craven Cottage.
It could be a busy day for Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been excellent for Guardiola this season; however, Donnarumma’s arrival was bad news for James Trafford, who also joined in the summer. Trafford now finds himself as the number two.
Leeds United plotting move for Trafford
James Trafford joined Manchester City for £27m in the summer, as they had a buyback option on him from Burnley. There was interest from several clubs in Trafford, but his future is now uncertain, as Donnarumma could be City’s first-choice keeper for the best part of another 10 years if he wants to.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds United are planning to make a move for Trafford should they stay in the Premier League, as Daniel Farke eyes the young English keeper to become their next long-term option at the back.
The report says that a fee of £30m could be enough to tempt Manchester City to sell Trafford, despite signing him just in the summer, and if the player himself wants more game time to try and get into the England side in the future, then a move to a side like Leeds would make sense for him.
It is understood that Tottenham is also interested, and Newcastle United could make a move, as they missed out on Trafford in the summer when Manchester City signed the 23-year-old.
What has Guardiola said about Trafford’s future?
Many feel that Trafford could force his way out at Manchester City because he has been cast aside following Donnarumma’s arrival, but it is understood that the club still very much see him as an important asset.
After starring in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, Guardiola was asked about Trafford’s ability, concerning the fact that he’s playing second fiddle to Donnarumma. The City boss responded to BBC Sport by saying: “There is only one goalkeeper spot.
“He cannot play left-back, James, you know. At the moment, we have a keeper, it’s Gigi [Donnarumma] playing in that position, but he [Trafford] is a top-class keeper, there’s no doubt about that. He can play Champions League games. I want to give opportunities to everyone.”
It seems that Guardiola is keen to keep playing Trafford in a lot of cup competitions, so a potential exit for Trafford likely depends on how the player himself feels about his lack of game time at the moment.