Leeds have shown interest in wantaway Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, per reports from the Daily Express in the latest Leeds United transfer news.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa managed Batshuayi during his stint as Marseille manager. Batshuayi scored 10 goals in 29 appearances then, and it appears the iconic Argentine manager is looking to reunite with the out-of-favour Belgian.
The Express adds that Atalanta are also interested in the services on Batshuayi and have made contact about a loan move.
Batshuayi has been on several loans over the last few seasons and with his £100,000 per week contract expiring after this season, Frank Lampard is thought to be keen to sell.
After starting just one Premier League match last season, Batshuayi is a bit of an unknown for any club that takes him on.
He’s been inconsistent throughout his time with Chelsea and it’s no surprise to see them looking to move him on considering the attacking signings they have already made in this window.
Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move for Batshuayi, but his wages could prevent that from happening.
Leeds Move On From Ben White
Leeds are one of several Premier League clubs showing an interest in Freiburg centre-back Robert Koch.
The Sun reports Leeds could be the first to make a bid for the German international after having a series of bids rejected for Ben White.
Tottenham and Newcastle are both interested in the ball-playing central defender, as are Serie A giants Lazio and Champions League semi-finalists Leipzig.
Ben White really pushing for a move to Leeds @skysports_sheth reporting he’s turned down a third contract offer at Brighton. #Lufc have made a third bid for the defender worth 25 million pounds.
— Joe Rawson (@joerawson) August 19, 2020
Leeds are ready to table a £20 million bid, however, and Freiburg are seemingly willing to sell to avoid the risk of losing Koch for free at the end of the season.
Koch started 31 Bundesliga matches for Freiburg last season on their way to an eighth-place finish. He’s comfortable on the ball and can play centre-back or defensive midfield.
With Brighton apparently not willing to sell White, Koch could be an important option for Leeds. Improving their defence will massively help their Premier League odds – they are currently 4/1 to be relegated.
Phil Hay Sheds Light On Transfer Plans
Speaking on an episode of The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic’s Leeds United reporter Phil Hay shed some light on their plans to bolster their centre-backs options.
Hay backed up recent reports of Leeds’ interest in Robert Koch.
He said, “They’re very keen on Robin Koch over at Freiburg, who’s somebody that [Victor] Orta, in particular, has been scouting for a long time.
"He has a lot of similar attributes to Ben White, he’s a similar age category, he’d almost certainly cost less than the amount that Brighton would be looking for if they were backed into a corner.”
Leeds continue to feature regularly in the latest Premier League transfer news. It appears they will be very active before the season begins next month.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
