Leeds United remain very close to finalising a £40m deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.

As the YEP reported on Monday night, following David Ornstein, the Whites are on the verge of breaking their transfer record to sign the 23-year-old former Burnley man. As it stands the deal is not fully done but club sources are feeling positive that it will complete. Trafford is currently on holiday as part of his FIFA-mandated post-World Cup break, which is due to end after August 8. Leeds have set a transfer precedent this summer however with the £34m signing of Tarik Muharemovic, who interrupted his holiday to fly into West Yorkshire to undergo a medical and complete the move and then flew back out to resume his break.

A goalkeeper was one of the priorities for the Whites in the summer transfer window and once that is ticked off they are expected to bring in another to provide Trafford with back-up, alongside a new centre forward and more cover for left-back. The YEP has already reported the club's admiration for Carlos Espi. The Spanish youngster, still only 21, scored 13 in 27 games during his breakout season for La Liga side Levante and is one of the strikers on Leeds' list of potential targets but they are yet to make a move. It is likely that Leeds look at the younger end of the spectrum as they provide further competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the number 9 role. Despite suggestions elsewhere, club sources say that Chelsea's Liam Delap is not a forward they are in for.

Leeds still have two offers left on the table for other targets. They made it clear to Southampton last week that they had made their best and final offer for midfielder Shea Charles. The Northern Ireland international was one of several players not used in Saints' behind-closed-doors friendly with German side Paderborn, but there is no suggestion that the Championship side have returned to the negotiating table to accept Leeds' bid.

The Whites' offer to free agent Julian Brandt also still stands. The German number 10's father has courted a number of clubs this summer, including the Whites. Jurgen Brandt paid a visit to Thorp Arch to speak to Leeds officials but the Brandts continue to play a waiting game to explore all their options. On Monday an account on x.com purporting to be journalist covering Real Sociedad claimed last season's Copa del Rey winners are keen on the attacker, but that has yet to be followed up by major outlets in San Sebastian. La Real also have plenty of options in attacking midfield and were thought to be in the market for a winger who can also play up top, rather than inside as a number 10. But if they were indeed among Brandt's suitors they could offer Europa League football next season.

In terms of outgoing business, Valencia's initial valuation of Largie Ramazani was far from what Leeds would be looking for but it remains a distinct possibility that the clubs find a number that works to return the winger to Mestalla Stadium after last season's loan stint.