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As new rumours that Brighton and Hove Albion are listening to offers for Leeds-linked defender Shane Duffy threaten to end the Peacocks’ hopes of signing Ben White, SC Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch is making the rounds in the papers once again.
Mike McGrath's transfer notebook: Leeds United will look to Germany international Robin Koch if they fail to land Ben White | @mcgrathmike reportshttps://t.co/2OqPUStnUO
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 16, 2020
The Telegraph says the 24-year-old provides Leeds with a cheaper alternative to the Seagulls player, with the two-time Germany international having just one year remaining on his current deal with his Bundesliga employers.
Recent reports from Transfermarkt imply that Koch has little intention of renewing that deal, amid other links with Lazio, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Robin Koch wants to leave Freiburg this summer says sporting director Klemens Hartenbach amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United [Transfermarkt] #LUFC pic.twitter.com/ifd4byybUK
— LUFC transfer updates (@LufcTransfer) August 3, 2020
Norwich City were among the German’s suitors in January, but his arrival on the international stage has placed him out of reach of the now-relegated side, according to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
It’s no surprise that the six-foot-three-inch defender has attracted so much interest; he has showcased his ball-playing abilities across his 82 Bundesliga appearances, and has even featured predominantly in defensive midfield. These traits could well appeal to Marcelo Bielsa.
He currently boasts a market value of around £15 million according to Transfermarkt, although a £20 million fee has previously been mooted.