West Ham United have joined the race for Leeds United defender Robin Koch.
That is according to journalist Tobi Altschaffl, who reports the Hammers view Koch as a number six and a ‘potential successor’ for Declan Rice, though Koch’s preference is to return to the Bundesliga amid interest from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Rice is almost certain to move on from West Ham this summer with a host of top clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City keen on his signature.
West Ham are holding out for in excess of £100 million for their captain, with Arsenal close to meeting the asking price after talks this week.
David Moyes is expected to use the cash and buy multiple players in order to replace Rice. Koch is the latest to be linked after reports from the Daily Telegraph mentioned the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez as targets.
West Ham eye Koch as Rice replacement
West Ham will face competition from a number of clubs for Koch, with the Manchester United and Tottenham said to be keen, as well as Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt.
Koch is one of several players expected to leave Leeds this summer after relegation due to release clauses included in their contracts.
The Germany international has just 12 months left to run on his contract at Elland Road, and it remains unclear as to how much Leeds will get for him.
Some reports from his homeland have indicated he could leave for free, though that has been disputed by the media in England. Phil Hay, meanwhile, says he could depart on loan.
Koch played 36 of Leeds’ 38 matches in the Premier League last season, many of which came in defence. He has, however, played in midfield numerous times for the Whites.
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