Fabrizio Romano Confirms Leeds United Transfer Target Completes Medical as Rival Move Edges Closer

Leeds United have suffered a small blow in their search for a new goalkeeper, with one of their summer targets now very close to joining another club.

The Whites have been working hard to improve Daniel Farke’s squad before the new Premier League season starts. There has been plenty of movement around Elland Road already, but the goalkeeper position has become one of the biggest areas of concern.

James Trafford is now looking increasingly likely to become Leeds’ new number one. The Manchester City goalkeeper has reportedly given the green light to a move, with talks continuing between the clubs.

However, Leeds could still need two new goalkeepers this summer.

Lucas Perri is pushing for a move away from Elland Road, while Karl Darlow has already left the club. That leaves Farke with a difficult situation to solve.

The club had been looking at several options to provide competition and cover. One of those players was Kjell Scherpen.

Unfortunately for Leeds, the 6ft 9in goalkeeper has now completed his medical ahead of a move to Ipswich Town.

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Leeds United miss out on Kjell Scherpen

Scherpen had emerged as an interesting option for Leeds during the summer transfer window.

The Dutch goalkeeper has built up good experience in European football and has already shown that he can perform at a high level. His huge height also makes him an interesting goalkeeper to have in the squad.

At 6ft 9in, Scherpen has an obvious physical advantage and could have been a useful player for Leeds to have behind Trafford. However, the Whites will now have to look elsewhere.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Scherpen has completed his medical ahead of his move to Ipswich.

The deal is believed to be worth around £8.5m, with a further £2.5m available through add-ons.

That means Leeds have missed their chance to bring the goalkeeper to Elland Road. For Ipswich, it could prove to be a very good signing.

For Leeds, though, it means another name has been removed from their list of potential options.

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James Trafford remains the big priority

The good news for Leeds supporters is that their main goalkeeper target appears to be moving closer to the club. Trafford has been the big name linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks.

The England international is highly rated and has already played Premier League football despite being only 23 years old.

Leeds are believed to have made major progress in their attempts to sign him, with Trafford reportedly happy with the idea of joining Farke’s team.

If the deal is completed, he would be expected to take the number one position. That would give Leeds a young goalkeeper who can potentially stay at the club for many years.

Trafford also has experience of playing under pressure, which could be important for a Leeds side hoping to move further away from the relegation battle.

But signing Trafford alone may not be enough.

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Leeds still need another goalkeeper

This is where the Scherpen situation becomes more frustrating. Leeds could have seen Scherpen as a very useful number two behind Trafford.

If Perri leaves, the club will need another senior goalkeeper to compete with their new number one. The situation is becoming more urgent because Leeds have already lost Darlow.

Perri is also attracting interest from Torino, and there have been strong reports that he wants to leave England.

If that transfer goes through, Leeds will suddenly have a very different goalkeeping department. Trafford could become the first-choice goalkeeper, but the club would then need to find another experienced player to provide cover.

Alex Cairns can offer an option, but he is not expected to be the main competition for Trafford over a long Premier League season.

There are many matches to play, including the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.

Injuries and suspensions can also happen at any time. Farke will not want to enter the season with a weak position between the posts.

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Farke must now find a new number two

The loss of Scherpen means Leeds must continue searching.

The club has already shown ambition by pushing hard for Trafford, but their work in the goalkeeper position may not finish when the Manchester City star arrives.

In fact, it could be just the beginning. If Perri leaves as expected, Leeds will need to bring in another goalkeeper quickly.

The new player does not necessarily need to be as expensive as Trafford. The most important thing will be finding someone experienced enough to step in when needed.

A strong number two can make a huge difference during a long Premier League campaign.

Leeds have already shown that they want to build a stronger squad after surviving their first season back in the top flight.

The goalkeeper position is now another big test of their transfer planning.

Scherpen would have been an interesting option, but that opportunity has now disappeared. The focus will therefore move back to Trafford and the search for another goalkeeper.

Leeds fans will hope the club can complete the Trafford deal soon before turning their attention to the second goalkeeper they need.

With the new season getting closer, Farke needs his squad to be ready.

Trafford could be the first major piece of the new goalkeeping plan. Now Leeds must find the player who can stand behind him.

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