Leeds are set to complete the signing of defender Robin Koch from Freiburg, despite interest from Newcastle and Lazio, a report from The Daily Star has claimed.
With Ben White now back at Brighton and the out of contract Gaetano Berardi facing a long spell on the sidelines through injury, central defence in an area Leeds simply have to strengthen this summer.
Koch is someone who has been linked as a potential option to fill that role for quite some time, and it seems Leeds are about to get their man, despite there seemingly being attention in the defender from elsewhere.
According to the latest reports, both Newcastle and Lazio had been keen on securing the services of the 24-year-old, although the player is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Elland Road.
It is thought that Leeds will pay Freiburg £13million for the defender, with the German club willing to sell in order to avoid losing Koch for free when his contract expires at the end of next season.
As a result, this looks like it could turn out to be very good business all round for Leeds.
Not only are they signing a player with more top-flight experience than White for a much cheaper fee, but they are also beating off some high profile competition in order to do so.
That is something that shows the strength Leeds currently have in the market, which bodes well for future transfer battles, and you feel it should send them into the new season brimming with confidence ahead of their return to the Premier League.