It’s sure to be a busy upcoming transfer window for Leeds United no matter what division the Whites are playing in next season.
Of course, Marcelo Bielsa will hope to be building a squad capable of thriving in the Premier League and the recruitment team at Elland Road will already be working on identifying players who can do just that. And, one name that has been linked with a move to Yorkshire is Robin Koch.
It was revealed back in January that the Freiburg centre-back was someone who was on the radar of Leeds but realistically a move would only happen if they won promotion. And, they will face competition for his signature, although Record in Portugal have stated that Benfica may no longer be able to push through with a move for the 23-year-old after the Bundesliga outfit put a £10.6m valuation on his head.
Yet, speaking to Football Insider, former Whites forward Noel Whelan urged the club to seal a deal for the twice-capped German international as he underlined the importance of bringing in defensive reinforcements in the next few months.
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“It would be a coup. We need defenders, there is no doubt about that. We do not know what is happening with the Ben White situation but it is better to have a backup plan and knowing where else to look so you can fill that void if White does not sign for Leeds United.
“You need these players [like Koch] in reserve and need to have already held contract talks and agreed a fee so when it does happen you are ready to move straight away.”
It remains to be seen what happens to White, although Brighton owner Tony Bloom has made it clear in the past month that he sees a future for the centre-back with the Seagulls, who only loaned him to Leeds without an option to buy.