Leeds United are expected to break their transfer record on the Manchester City goalkeeper.Leeds United manager Daniel Farke admits a ‘top-class’ goalkeeper is among the most important positions to get right.The Whites are close to agreeing a £40million deal for Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford, who remains away on his FIFA-mandated three-week post-World Cup holiday. The 23-year-old is expected to become a record arrival at Elland Road, despite the delay.Goalkeeper has been a position of uncertainty at Leeds throughout Farke’s three-years so far, with Illan Meslier and Lucas Perri dropped at crucial points. Karl Darlow stepped in on both occasions but left for rivals Manchester United earlier this summer.James Trafford is close to becoming Leeds United’s No.1. | Getty Images“There are definitely a few very important positions in football,” Farke told Men In Blazers. “You need a top striker, top centre-backs, it’s important to have someone in the middle of the park who is there with top quality.“A strong No.1 goalkeeper is also in this role. Your core bones in a team have to be strong. You can take a few more risks on the winger position but the No.1 goalkeeper is crucial because he saves you points.“Especially as a side who is just on the way to establishing themselves at Premier League level. You need at least a really good No.1, maybe even top-class, this is what all clubs in our position are aiming for and so it’s really important.”Daniel Farke on Leeds United future ambitionsOnce Trafford’s move is confirmed as expected, optimism around Elland Road will increase with two good signings already through the door. Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic both have the potential to improve last season’s starting-XI while there is still the best part of a month for more to come.Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises harbour ambitions of taking Leeds back to Europe but no one is under any illusions about the priority next season, which is once again to survive. Farke is not one to get carried away.Read More“Once you’re in a position where we are, of course in one or two years it’s not like we’ll overtake clubs like Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal with individual quality of the players,” he added. “I think it’s quite important you have a clear philosophy, a clear idea and DNA.“You need outstanding fitness levels. I think the mentality and character to put more fight in is quite important but also a clear vision of how you improve step-by-step, from year-to-year and how to establish yourself. One year to speak about the top half of the Premier League table and in a few years maybe about Europe.“I’m pretty focused and concentrated on everyday life, not to lose focus on what is most important, which is to stay in this league and win the next game. But on the other hand a clear vision and plan, how we want to improve.”Continue Reading
‘Top-class’ – Farke’s telling goalkeeper admission as Leeds close in on Trafford
