Manchester United have opened talks regarding a move for Leeds United defender Robin Koch, according to reports.
The 26-year-old is expected to leave Elland Road before the new Premier League campaign gets underway.
Koch is about to enter into the last year of his contract with the Yorkshire team and has been tipped to seek a new challenge after their relegation to the Championship at the end of the previous season.
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In the absence of a director of football or manager at Leeds, chief executive Angus Kinnear is in charge of handling transfers and is resigned to losing Koch between now and the start of next campaign.
It is reported that Koch has been added to United’s shortlist of players to chase over the next few weeks and that ‘loose talks’ have been held regarding a move to the club.
The Red Devils are said to be targeting the addition of at least one new defender as a replacement for Harry Maguire, who has been tipped to leave the club this summer after being reduced to a back-up role.
Reports from Europe have claimed that Koch has a relegation release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Leeds on a free transfer.
Koch played 36 matches for Leeds in the Premier League last season but was unable to help keep the club in the Premier League in spite of his best efforts.
“In the summer we can work with the squad we have but we need to strengthen,” United boss Erik ten Hag told reporters.
“It’s difficult to say at this moment. We need to see how the transfer window unfolds, but it seems clear that we need more.
“We want to win every game, but as I have just explained, it’s challenging here. There are really good teams, especially this season. Manchester City is playing exceptionally well. We are moving in the right direction, but we still have work to do. It’s a work in progress.”
