Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Robin Koch this summer.
The Magpies have a fairly promising track record when it comes to signing defenders in recent years, with the likes of Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Dan Burn all making moves to St James’ Park since Eddie Howe’s arrival.
And it appears the Tyneside club have set their sights on securing another potential addition to their backline.
According to a recent report from German media outlet Sport1 (via Sport Witness), Leeds centre-back Koch is looking to take the next step in his career and move away from West Yorkshire, with Newcastle being interested in signing him.
The report also adds that other Premier League clubs and sides in the Bundesliga have made enquiries for the centre-back.
The German joined Leeds from SC Freiburg back in the 2020 summer transfer window and has since gone on to make 63 appearances for the Yorkshire club across all competitions.
This season has seen the 26-year-old, who is set to enter the final year of his contract in the summer, play more minutes than any other outfield player at Leeds, showing how important he is for them.
Across his 24 Premier League appearances, Koch has shown how much of a capable player he is on and off the ball.
For example, in possession, the centre-half has made more passes into the final third of the pitch (78) than any other defender at Leeds as well as having the second-highest number of recoveries (123) at the club.
Would you like to see Newcastle sign Robin Koch?
Yes
No
Meanwhile, in terms of his defensive attributes, the German has the highest number of clearances (92) and interceptions (36) in Javi Gracia’s side as well as having the second-highest number of blocks (30).
Previously hailed for his “exceptional” form in a Leeds shirt by journalist James Marshment, Koch, certainly has what it takes to be a top defender in the Premier League, despite his current side’s struggles this season.
However, with Newcastle having the best defensive record in the league with just 17 goals conceded across 24 games, perhaps a move for the Leeds star may not be totally necessary for the Toon, unless Eddie Howe wants to add some extra strength and depth to that area of his squad.