Tottenham double Leeds Utd problems with Newcastle battle ignited for star who’ll leave crippling void

Leeds Utd stars Tyler Adams and Robin Koch

Tottenham are emerging as a genuine threat to Newcastle in the race to sign a regular Leeds Utd starter who’d leave a worrying void if sold, per a report.

The January arrival of Max Wober has finally helped to shore up what has always been a leaky Leeds Utd defence since their return to the Premier League.

There was uncertainty as to where exactly Wober would play upon joining from RB Salzburg. Left-back was an option, though all eight of his league starts have thus far come at left centre-half.

His centre-back partner in seven of those clashes has been Robin Koch and Leeds have conceded just eight goals over that stretch.

While that may not sound overly impressive, it’s important to note Leeds conceded 34 goals in the other 19 league encounters.

In effect, the Whites have roughly cut the amount of goals they concede per game in half when Wober and Koch start at the back.

However, the budding partnership is coming under increasing threat with Koch now a man in demand.

Indeed, German outlet Sport1 recently claimed Newcastle are sizing up a summer swoop for Koch.

The Magpies have a formidable pairing of their own in Sven Botman and Fabian Schar. However, Newcastle are poised to add a European campaign to their fixture list next season and far greater strength in depth will be required. Furthermore, Botman is emerging as a serious transfer target for PSG.

Now, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, Newcastle won’t have a Koch move all their own way.

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Tottenham join Newcastle in Koch chase

They claim Tottenham too like what they’ve seen and along with RB Leipzig, will compete with Newcastle for Koch’s signature.

One might question why an Italian outlet seem to have the drop on an English side chasing a German player who plays in England.

However, Tutto’s report stems from the fact Koch was previously a target for Serie A sides AC Milan and Napoli.

How much Koch might cost isn’t speculated in the piece. He set Leeds back £13m when signed in 2020, though now proven in the Premier League, common sense dictates his value has soared.

What’s more, Koch recently confirmed he’s in talks over signing a contract extension at Elland Road.

While that wouldn’t necessarily end Newcastle, Tottenham and Leipzig’s transfer hopes, it would strengthen Leeds’ bargaining position in the event bids are tabled. Koch’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024.

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with future planning,” Koch told Spox.

“Initial talks are currently underway between the club and my agent. Towards the end of the season, and during the summer break, I will deal with it.

“Now, my focus is 100 percent on our games and goals.”

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