Trafford backed to challenge Pickford as Justin opens up on Farke contract talk
Leeds United have two big talking points doing the rounds, with goalkeeper James Trafford's England prospects and defender James Justin's contract situation both generating plenty of coverage.
On the Trafford front, TeamTalk reports that the young keeper has taken his game to the next level at Elland Road, with former England goalkeeper David Seaman rating his chances of one day usurping Jordan Pickford as the Three Lions' number one (TeamTalk). That view is echoed by LeedsLive, who report what Alan Shearer has said on Trafford's England position, with Shearer backing the Leeds stopper to become the nation's number one (LeedsLive). The Yorkshire Evening Post goes further, reporting that Shearer and an ex-England goalkeeper believe it is only a "matter of time" before Trafford ends Pickford's reign between the posts, noting the Leeds man's own ambitions to be England's future number one (Yorkshire Evening Post). MOT Leeds News adds another angle, suggesting Trafford could be thrown in at the very deep end after comments from England boss Thomas Tuchel about the Leeds star (MOT Leeds News).
Separately, James Justin has been speaking about his future at Elland Road. LeedsLive reports that the 28-year-old defender has opened up on his contract situation under Daniel Farke, as well as touching on England hopes, a "Tarik Muharemovic" theory regarding Leeds and Europe, and the noise that surrounded his £8m exit from Leicester City. MOT Leeds News covers the same interview, quoting Justin's honest admission that his contract "doesn't really matter" in the context of what he said (MOT Leeds News).
Taken together, it's a reminder of how far Trafford's stock has risen since his move to Leeds, with pundits and former England keepers increasingly talking him up as a genuine contender to Pickford's spot, while Justin's relaxed stance on his own deal suggests there's no unrest behind the scenes over his long-term future at the club.
For Leeds fans, the Trafford talk in particular will be pleasing - a sign that performances for the club are translating into wider recognition - while Justin's comments offer reassurance that his focus remains on his football rather than contract matters.
Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
