The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 28th June) Auf Wiedersehen Koch
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 28th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Auf Wiedersehen Koch
Robin Koch has agreed personal terms with Eintracht Frankfurt, and will head off to the Bundesliga on loan, seeing out the final twelve months of his contract, after which he'll be a free agent.
The 26 year old is desperate to get back into the German national side, and see's a return to his homeland as being the perfect opportunity to put himself in the shop window. It has been reported that after much negotiation, Die Adler (the Eagles) have agreed to pay Leeds an undisclosed loan fee, though it won't come close to his true value, which is around £12m).
Leeds plotting capture of Liverpool defender
Leeds want to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips as a replacement for Robin Koch, who heads out to Eintracht Frankfurt, having just agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga outfit.
The 26 year old centre-back joined the red side of Merseyside back in 2016, from Bolton. He rose through their academy ranks, making 19 senior appearances, and enjoyed successful loan spells with Stuttgart and Bournemouth during his stay.
He's a good tackler, comfortable on the ball, and good with his head. At 6ft 3', he (and Cressy, also 6ft 3') would add some much needed aerial dominance to the Leeds squad. Liverpool value their asset at around £10m, but Leeds don't want to pay much more than £6m. With two years left on his contract, Liverpool are keen to sell, before his contract runs down.
Leeds are believed to be after Phillips regardless of who their head coach will be, but it's worth taking note that Daniel Farke tried to sign him, during his spell at Norwich City.
Perkins and Joffy tipped for loan moves
Sonny Perkins and Joe Gelhardt have been tipped to spend next season out on loan with fellow Championship clubs.
Play off Semi Finalists Sunderland are keen to take Joffy back on loan. The 21yo made twenty appearances for the Black cats last term, netting three times, and providing as many assists. They have been busy this Summer, already completing the signings of Jenson Seelt from PSV as well as Luis 'Hemir' Semedo, Nectar Triantis and Jobe Bellingham.
Various media outlets report that Perkins is also very much in demand. Blackburn, Birmingham and Sunderland (again) have already inquired about taking the England U19 hit-man on loan; though much will hinge on whether Leeds can acquire the services of Manchester Utd winger Amad Diallo, who has been linked to to a loan move to Elland Road this Summer.
The Ivorian Coast International , scored 14 times last season, and provided three assists, whilst on-loan with the Black Cats last season. He's quick, comfortable with both feet, and technically gifted. Manchester Utd paid £21.5m plus add-ons (believed to be totaling £35m) for the exciting 20 year old.
Sevilla and Everton fight over Rodrigo
Spanish International Rodrigo is set to leave Elland Road in the next few days, though his destination is still up for debate. It was reported on Monday that the 32yo had agreed personal terms at Sevilla, yet Everton may have hijacked the deal. Wherever he goes, it will be a season-long loan, after which time he'll be a free agent. Leeds will be loathed to see him go, especially after hitting some form last season, netting 15 times, in all competitions.