Leeds star to reject ‘intense’ Man Utd interest as two factors see player consider alternative exit route
Robin Koch embraces Tyler Adams while the pair represent Leeds United
A Leeds United player will reject a shock move to Manchester United due to two key reasons, according to a report.
Several Leeds stars look set to depart Elland Road this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship. Winger Jack Harrison, who was one of Leeds’ best players during their poor campaign, is being hunted by Everton and Aston Villa.
He could be followed out of the door by two more wingers, with Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville both facing uncertain futures.
Gnonto is also a target for Everton. Although, the Toffees may face big competition from Italy for him as Juventus are understood to be interested.
Summerville, meanwhile, is now wanted by Sevilla. On Wednesday, TEAMtalk exclusively revealed how Sevilla’s new sporting director Victor Orta wants to raid former club Leeds for Summerville.
Centre-back Robin Koch is another Whites star who will likely gain a transfer before next season. Surprisingly, Man Utd have emerged as an option for the 26-year-old.
On June 15, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg named Koch as a possible target for the Red Devils. Then, on June 22, further reports in Germany revealed Man Utd held ‘intense’ interest in the defender.
Kicker have now provided an update on the situation. They reveal how Koch is preparing to reject Man Utd’s offer, as well as a potential switch to Newcastle United.
Leeds man to snub Man Utd, Newcastle offers
While those two clubs can offer him a big pay rise, he is not considering such moves for two reasons. First of all, Koch wants to continue playing regularly at his next club. This will in turn allow him to impress Germany national team boss Hansi Flick, as Koch has one eye on Euro 2024 which will be held in Germany.
In contrast, if Koch goes to either Man Utd or Newcastle then he will risk becoming a backup centre-half, and this may jeopardise his chances of featuring for his country.
The report also reveals how Koch wants to become a ‘leader’ at his next club. This will be far more likely if he heads to the German Bundesliga.
As such, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are the two main sides battling for his services. They ‘no longer fear’ potentially massive bids from the Premier League as Koch wants to return to his home country.
There have been suggestions that the eight-cap international might be able to leave Leeds on a free this summer due to a relegation clause in his contract. But those claims are wide of the mark as Leeds are fully expecting to receive a fee when Koch departs.
Although, they will not be able to command a huge fee as other clubs will be aware of Koch’s desire to move on, plus the fact his contract only runs until June 2024.