Report: Newcastle have now decided they want to sign 26-year-old Leeds player

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Newcastle United are now very much in the mix to sign Leeds United defender Robin Koch.

That is according to Bild, who report the Magpies could look to sign Koch on an initial loan deal, before then securing him on a free transfer next summer.

The German outlet also report two more Bundesliga clubs have joined the race for Koch, with Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt already keen, with the latter said to be in ‘constant contact’.

Koch is not looking to rush into a decision regarding his future as interest in his signature hots up. The defender is keen to force his way back into the Germany setup ahead of next summer’s EUROs in his native homeland.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the other clubs to have been linked, with the former viewing him as a cheap alternative if they cannot sign their first choice targets.

Newcastle want to sign Koch from Leeds

There is an element of uncertainty surrounding what sort of fee Leeds can command for Koch this summer, with some outlets reporting he can leave for free, and others disputing that.

Phil Hay of the Athletic says a loan deal is certainly a viable option, which is something Newcastle are reportedly looking to do.

The Magpies are set to splash £70 million on AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali and so may have to find some low-cost options to fill other positions, with the Daily Mail reporting Eddie Howe will have just £75 million to spend.

Koch is certainly someone who would fit the bill for Newcastle, as they seek cover and competition for Fabian Schar at right centre back.

Newcastle will be able to offer Koch Champions League football next season and they themselves will need a bigger squad to cope with the extra demands of Europe.