Manchester United keen on signing defender from arch rivals this summer but cool interest in Harry Kane

The Red Devils could be set to make a controversial signing

Posted Thursday, June 15, 2023 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Manchester United have earmarked German defender Robin Koch as a potential option as they look to find alternatives to Harry Maguire in the heart of defence this summer.

The Red Devils are expecting to lose Maguire this summer as the 30-year-old leaves in search of first team football, which he has been starved of since Erik ten Hag's arrival and which, should it continue, would likely see him lose his spot in the England squad for next summer's European Championships.

There are also question marks over Victor Lindelof, who started in the absence of Lisandro Martinez in the back part of the season but remains firmly second choice to the Argentine when Ten Hag has a fully fit squad to choose from.

The Red Devils are keen on Napoli defender Kim Min Jae, but face competition from Bayern Munich and would have to stump up a significant fee to land the South Korean just twelve months after he made the switch to Italy.

Milan, Italy. 18 September 2022. Kim Min-jae of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A football match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli.

Should that move not materialise, however, then reports in Germany claim that 'loose talks' have taken place with Leeds United defender Robin Koch, who started 36 Premier League games as the Yorkshire outfit were relegated from the top flight last season, and also has the unfortunate statistic of being part of the leakiest defence in the division.

As per Florian Plettiberg, Koch is 'on the shortlist' of players that the Red Devils could turn to, though it may be hard to convince fans to be won over by a former Leeds United player given the historically strong rivalry between the two clubs.

Further up the pitch, United have given up on trying to sign Harry Kane this summer after Tottenham refused to lower their asking price, and will turn their attention to an alternative in the coming days with Atlanta striker Rasmus Hojlund thought to be high up on their list.