Matthew Chadder

Wed 14 June 2023 21:38, UK

German journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed on his official Twitter account that “loose talks” have taken place to bring Robin Koch to Manchester United.

The journalist confirmed on 14 June that Leeds defender Koch is on Manchester United’s transfer shortlist and loose talks have taken place with the club.

With Koch entering the final 12 months of his contract at Elland Road, and the club now relegated to the Championship, the 26-year-old is not expected to sign a new deal with Leeds

However, as reported by LeedsLive (12 June), suggestions that a relegation clause in Koch’s contract would see the player walk away for free are “wide of the mark” and the Whites will be expecting a fee to let the player go.

A move away this summer would bring to an end three years with Leeds for Koch, after the defender arrived in England following the Yorkshire giants’ promotion to the Premier League in 2020. He has made 77 appearances for the club.

Strange move

With Manchester United looking to fight at the top end of the Premier League table next season and build a squad that can close the gap to local rivals Manchester City, the signing of Koch seems as if it would be an odd move.

Koch did not enjoy a positive season for Leeds as he was part of a defensive back-line which conceded 78 league goals in England’s top flight, the most of any other side in the division. On a personal basis, he also did not perform as well as he would have liked, ranking in the bottom 50 per cent among his positional peers for tackles won, shots blocked and interceptions (FBREF).

It is hard to see the German making a move to Manchester United off the back of the season he has had, and many Leeds fans will be likely left scratching their heads if he is somehow able to secure himself a move back to the Premier League, especially to a club so high up the league.

In other Leeds United news, Leeds’ manager hunt continues with an official approach now made.