Phil Hay has told The Square Ball podcast that there is interest from Germany in Leeds United defender Robin Koch but is unconvinced by reports linking him with Manchester United – refuting rumours he can go on a free transfer.
Koch, 26, is about to enter the last 12 months of his contract at Leeds. Some reports have suggested that relegation could see Koch leave on a free, even though he has a year left on his deal. There is definitely interest in the German.
German magazine Kicker reported on Thursday that Manchester United are ‘working intensively’ to sign Koch. They also say other Premier League clubs are keen, as are German Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen and Frankfurt.
Premier League sides West Ham, Newcastle and Tottenham have been loosely linked with a move for Koch. Hay has said that there are German clubs keen on Koch, but does not believe Manchester United will sign him this summer.
“There is some German interest in Robin Koch, I remain to be convinced that he will be joining Manchester United. Have to be honest, but I do think he’ll go. From what I’ve been told, I just don’t think he can leave on a free transfer.
“He can go on loan for a season and then go on a free next season, because he has 12 months left on his contract. That is common sense. That is not the same as saying he can go on a free transfer this summer,” Hay told TSB.
Hay: German interest in Koch, Manchester United reports unconvincing
Koch is more than likely to go, along with a number of Leeds players that include Illan Meslier, Diego Llorente, Junior Firpo, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Willy Gnonto, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra and Rodrigo. Even more, potentially.
As Hay says, a loan is possible, because a club can then sign him for nothing next summer. But if that is the case, then Leeds really need to include a sizeable loan fee. Or, reduce the permanent fee to let him go this time around.
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