Leeds overcome Newcastle threat to defender bid as €13m signing nears

Leeds are closing in on the signing of Robin Koch, who has reportedly already said goodbye to his Freiburg teammates.

Ahead of their return to the Premier League, Leeds have been scouring the market for defensive reinforcements. Their main target, of course, was Ben White, who played for them on loan from Brighton last season.

White became a key player at Elland Road, not missing a minute in the Championship as Leeds gained promotion. However, Brighton have kept a strong stance on the player, rejecting a number of bids for his permanent transfer.

With the asking price for White growing, Leeds have turned their attention elsewhere. And they now appear to be on the verge of signing their ideal alternative.

According to Kicker, Leeds have found an agreement with Freiburg to sign Koch for €13m plus bonuses. In fact, the player has already said his farewells.

Koch has been called up for international duty with Germany next week. However, he is unlikely to return to Freiburg after that – as his move to Leeds could be completed by then.

The Yorkshire club have beaten competition from Newcastle for the 24-year-old. Reports from the same source earlier revealed the Magpies’ interest, but it looks like Koch will be joining Leeds instead.

KOCH TO FOLLOW RODRIGO

It would be another important piece of business for the Whites, who are also very close to confirming the arrival of Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia.

Leeds have reached an agreement for the Spain forward, who should become their record signing.

All the details were revealed in this report…