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Manchester United 'hold Robin Koch transfer talks'

Manchester United 'hold Robin Koch transfer talks'
© Reuters
Manchester United hold talks with Leeds United over a deal for central defender Robin Koch this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Leeds United centre-back Robin Koch during this summer's transfer window.

The 26-year-old only has another 12 months left to run on his contract, and Leeds are unlikely to be able to keep hold of him this summer following their relegation to the Championship.

Koch arrived at Elland Road from Freiburg in the summer of 2020, and he has represented the Whites on 77 occasions in all competitions, with 73 of those appearances coming in the Premier League.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United have placed the eight-time Germany international on their transfer shortlist for the summer.

Plettenberg claims that 'loose talks' have already taken place, with the Red Devils exploring the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford during the current market.

Leeds United's Robin Koch in action with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo on April 17, 2023© Reuters

Koch was a vital player for Leeds last season, featuring on 39 occasions in all competitions, including 36 times in the Premier League, with the Whites being relegated to the Championship.

Leeds would likely be reluctant to sell the defender to a rival this summer, but the club are not in a strong position due to the length of time left on his contract.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae is thought to still be Man United's leading defensive target this summer, with a recent report claiming that the South Korean could arrive at the start of July.

Meanwhile, Monaco's Axel Disasi is also believed to be of interest to the Red Devils, who finished third in the Premier League last season to secure a return to the Champions League.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire reacts on January 3, 2023© Reuters

There could potentially be a couple of new defenders arriving this summer, with Phil Jones's departure already being confirmed, and Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly also set to leave.

Harry Maguire's struggles for action are also likely to lead to the England captain moving on despite recent reports that he was keen to fight for his future at Old Trafford.

There is not an obvious route back into the side for Maguire, as he is behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order, while Luke Shaw was also picked ahead of him at centre-back during the 2022-23 campaign.

The arrival of a new central defender would force Maguire even further down the pecking order, which could cost him the chance to make the England squad for Euro 2024.

Man United, meanwhile, are pushing to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea this summer, but the club have allegedly had an opening bid for the attacker turned down.

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Napoli's Kim Min-jae in action on April 15, 2023
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