Manchester United launched Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe on the finish of their contracts this summer season whereas listening to affords from Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly, so Erik ten Hag could possibly be in need of a centre-back forward of the brand new season until a alternative is signed.

One of many gamers on the want checklist was Leeds United defender Robin Koch, however German enforcer kicker (h/t) Watch sports) says the 26-year-old isn’t occupied with becoming a member of fierce rivals Leeds for one necessary cause; He desires to return to Germany.

Born in Kaiserslautern, Koch has represented his nation eight occasions and spent his whole profession in Germany earlier than becoming a member of Leeds in 2020, so it is no shock he would need to return. The 26-year-old made 77 appearances in all competitions for the Whites and was an everyday final season.

Coach joined Leeds after they gained promotion to the Premier League, however performed maybe his final recreation for United after they had been relegated to the Championship. The Germany worldwide has one yr left on his deal at Elland Highway, so Leeds could really feel they should earn money whereas he nonetheless has worth, reasonably than danger shedding him for nothing subsequent yr.

Simon Jones online mail He mentioned in 2020 that Leeds had paid round £11.5m for a cottage, however Wayne Fizzy Football from the inside They not too long ago mentioned they may settle for a suggestion of £15m, so they’d proceed to make a revenue from his sale.

However Kicker says Manchester United won’t be the beneficiaries, as Koch seems decided to return to the Bundesliga. He performed for Kaiserslautern, SV Dörbach, SV Eintracht Trier 05 and SC Freiburg earlier than coming to England, so he is clearly at house in Germany.

It is a blow for Ten Hag, who might solely be left with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof if United’s undesirable gamers depart this summer season. He desires a fourth choice who would not thoughts a squad rotation, however United must cross Koch off their checklist.