'I wish James Trafford was joining Newcastle over Leeds United - he'll be pushing Jordan Pickford for England'

Leeds United will be getting a ‘top goalkeeper’ with a ‘huge future’ should they get a deal over the line for James Trafford, according to one former Premier League shot-stopper.

The Whites remain close to securing a £40million move for Trafford, who is set to overtake Georginio Rutter as the club’s record signing. The Manchester City goalkeeper is believed to be keen on the move and is currently on his three-week FIFA mandated post-World Cup holiday, having been in the England squad.

Should Leeds get a deal over the line, they will have filled one of the major gaps in Daniel Farke’s squad following the departure of Karl Darlow. Trafford was not short of suitors this summer and Shay Given, who played 451 Premier League games for Manchester City, Newcastle and others, expects him to succeed in West Yorkshire.

“I’m not shocked to see James Trafford moving to a club like Leeds United,” Given told Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football odds. “I believe he’s already a top goalkeeper. I just wish he was going to Newcastle United this summer because he’s brilliant, and he’s got a huge future ahead of him.

“What I love about Trafford is that he’s got a real calmness about him when he plays and I think Leeds will be getting a brilliant goalkeeper if that deal gets across the line.”

Here at the YEP, we're running a HALF PRICE subscription deal throughout pre-season. Subscribe to ensure you catch every inch of our Leeds United coverage next season.

Trafford will be desperate for regular football, having joined City to be their No.1 last summer only to see Gianluigi Donnarumma signed later on. A total of 17 appearances came mostly in domestic cups, with the odd Premier League or Champions League opportunity.

With compatriot Jordan Pickford turning 33 before next season is over, Trafford will have an eye on usurping the Everton man as England’s first-choice goalkeeper. And Given believes a move to Leeds could facilitate that dream.

“Thomas Tuchel will have had a really good look at Trafford, seeing his strengths and what kind of goalkeeper is, and what kind of person he is too,” Given added. “You need that in a goalkeeper too. Personality. I think Trafford is a good person to have around the group.

“He'll be pushing Pickford all the way every week at Leeds. There's no doubt about that, and Jordan knows that too. That's the position you're in when you're number one for your country.

“You know someone's trying to get the jersey off your back. It's not rocket science. He knows he has to stay at the top of his game.”