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Leeds United on verge of completing Marc Roca transfer, with Prem duo among six beaten to deal

Marc Roca playing a pass for Bayern Munich

Marc Roca is on the verge of becoming a third signing of the summer for Leeds United, with reports revealing some of the clubs he has rejected in favour of the move.

Roca has been a Bayern Munich player for the past couple of seasons. However, during that time, he has only managed 24 appearances. Now, he is ready to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Leeds United have been linked with Roca in recent weeks and progress has been made with the pursuit. According to Marca, the Whites will be taking the player for a fee between €13m and €15m.

In Leeds’ money, that means they will be paying around £11.2m-£12.9m for Roca’s services. The report also confirmed he will sign a contract for three or four years, taking a “leading role” with his new team.

Marca revealed that Roca has turned down some La Liga clubs in order to go down the Leeds route. Now, further details are emerging of how Leeds have seemingly won the race.

According to 90min, a deal is indeed close for Leeds to sign Roca. In fact, they are in “pole position” and could confirm the transfer by the end of this week.

They have been aware of rival interest, including from fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Wolves. Abroad, there was competition from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, and Real Betis, Sevilla and Villarreal in Spain.

However, Leeds believe they have won the race for Roca after it was clarified that their offer was around the £12m mark.

In turn, he could become their third signing of the summer. Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen have already joined, meaning Leeds have strengthened their midfield and the full-back ranks.

Marc Roca ready to benefit Leeds United

Marc Roca, Bayern Munich, March 2022.

At the age of 25, Roca is at a good stage of his career to help Leeds. They need bodies in midfield, with Kalvin Phillips attracting interest and the side having struggled without him at times last season.

Although Roca has not played much at Bayern, he will have surrounded himself with elite players. Even just training at that level will have set him up to do well for a club like Leeds, where he will face different kinds of challenges.

The fact that Leeds appear to be beating so many clubs to his signature is also a statement of intent. Indeed, he would have had European football on offer were he to have chosen any of the other six suitors, apart from Wolves.

After avoiding relegation last season, Leeds are putting the foundations in place for what they will be hoping is a smoother season under Jesse Marsch.

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