Hoffenheim make pre-season friendly decision on Anton Stach after agreeing Leeds United terms

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Anton Stach is said to be closing in on a move to Leeds United after The Whites complete the signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United, with Hoffenheim in action on Wednesday.

A disappointing week meant fans entered this week feeling underwhelmed. But that changed quickly when reports emerged that a £15m deal had been agreed with Newcastle for Sean Longstaff.

It comes after a third bid was rejected by Newcastle for Longstaff. Leeds have upped their initial offer by £2m, and increased the add-ons to £3m. Then, it emerged Leeds were getting closer to signing Stach.

Indeed, Leeds have now agreed personal terms with Stach and it is now down to Leeds and the German club to agree a fee. Leeds signed Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023 for £35m.

• READ MORE: When Leeds will announce the signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle

Anton Stach included in Hoffenheim squad on Wednesday

Hoffenheim are in action against German minnows Sportfreunde Lauffen as they get their pre-season campaign off to a start. The Bundesliga club will have had to make a decision on midfield star Stach.

At 4pm on Wednesday, Hoffenheim announced their starting line-up for the clash away from home. Despite agreeing personal terms with Leeds, Stach has been included as a substitute for the friendly.

It will be interesting to see if he comes off the bench for Hoffenheim, and may give an indication as to how close a deal for the lofty midfielder is. Kick-off for the friendly in Lauffen is scheduled for 5pm.

What happens after Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach…

If Leeds agree a deal for Stach to join Longstaff in moving to Leeds, then that looks like Leeds have sorted both the midfield and the defence. Both ends of the pitch remain to be sorted by Adam Underwood.

A new goalkeeper is a priority for Leeds with Illan Meslier in the final year of his deal and the feeling that Meslier is done at Elland Road. He remains, but it might be that Leeds want a signing before selling him.

Then, a new striker. Rodrigo Muniz remains on the list but a £21.7m bid has been rejected for Nikola Krstovic. A replacement for Manor Solomon too, with Solomon breaking his silence after returning.