Leeds United eyed for transfer raid by Newcastle as Robin Koch impresses suitors ahead of ‘certain’ summer exit
Robin Koch’s versatility at Leeds United has “impressed” Newcastle as the Magpies eye the relegated club for a transfer raid, according to 90min.
The German defender has been linked to a potential exit through the early months of the year and now relegation has struck he is considered a “certain departure” [Yorkshire Evening Post, 31 May].
Eddie Howe’s newly-qualified Champions League participants are looking to take advantage of the misfortune at Elland Road, St. Mary’s and the King Power Stadium, with their eye on a number of Leeds United, Southampton and Leicester players.
Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison are of interest at St. James’ Park, but Koch, 26, is in the frame due to his ability to operate as an auxiliary midfielder as well as in the centre of defence.
Cash in
Some might argue that he hasn’t operated at anywhere near a high enough level in the Whites defence this season, despite being virtually ever-present all season, before a late switch to midfield under Sam Allardyce.
Evidently a talented player, Koch has been part of some disastrous back lines in the past year, with the brief upturn in form following the arrival of Max Wober in January the only real patch where there appeared to be some cohesion aside from the very start of the season.
If he holds value then it is surely sensible for both sides to part ways, with the likes of Charlie Cresswell ready to step in.
It would be a surprise for Koch to break into the increasingly star-studded starting XI at Newcastle if they are to make their interest concrete, but his early-season centre-back partner Diego Llorente looked far more assured in half a season on loan at Roma then he ever did at Elland Road, so it may be more of a Leeds problem.
A certain amount of the first team will need to move on, and in the eyes of many plenty of them should move on based on the form this Leeds United team has shown this season.
Koch probably falls somewhere between the two, but his age and position make him a decent option to make some money back on, and if he has designs on playing for Germany again soon he will likely prefer to go.
In other Leeds United news, one managerial candidate could have the edge on in the race after his assistant visited the training ground as those around him believe it is his to lose.