The latest on the Leeds United transfer news front.

A trio of clubs have expressed interest in signing a Leeds United attacker on a permanent deal as the Whites close in on a record signing in their ongoing recruitment process.

Leeds are expected to unveil goalkeeper James Trafford as the club’s new record signing imminently, the 23-year-old joining the Whites from Manchester City for £40m plus add-ons.

Trafford will become the club’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of attacking midfielder Harry Wilson as a free transfer following his release from Fulham and centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo for £34m.

Leeds also wanted to sign attacking midfielder Julian Brandt after his contract at Borussia Dortmund expired and the Whites made an offer to the German international star who instead joined Ajax in a three-year deal.

Leeds, though, have a list of names as potential targets including Marseille’s 26-year-old Brazilian attacker Igor Paixao who the club were also interested in last summer.

The YEP, though, understands that this summer’s interest in Paixao has so far gone no further than the Marseille man being one of a number of names on their list.

An offer remains on the table with Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles but the two clubs have been unable to agree on a deal so far.

Leeds have made it clear to the Saints that they have made their best and final offer and there has been no suggestion that the Championship club have returned to the negotiating table to accept United’s bid.

The YEP understands that a young striker and full-back cover are areas that Leeds are keen to strengthen the squad in, and a centre midfielder as per interest in Charles.

On the outgoings front, Torino’s interest in keeper Lucas Perri has been well documented and the imminent arrival of Trafford would potentially open the gateway to his departure although Leeds only have Alex Cairns as back up at present following the exits of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively upon their contracts expiring.

At the other end of the pitch, three Championship clubs have expressed an interest in signing 24-year-old striker Joe Gelhardt on a permanent deal.

Gelhardt has spent the last year and a half on loan at Hull City who are now back in the Premier League following last season’s promotion as Championship play-off winners.

Gelhardt only has one year left on his Leeds contract and Birmingham City, Burnley and Stoke City have all expressed interest in signing the forward on a permanent transfer.