Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen to battle for Leeds defender Robin Koch | OneFootball

The race for Leeds United defender Robin Koch is heating up, with only two clubs left in the running, according to Kicker.

Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as the front-runners to secure the centre-back’s services.

Koch joined Leeds in 2020 from Freiburg for €13 million, but he will likely bid farewell to England this summer.

However, rather than making a permanent move, the 26-year-old wants to leave on a loan deal.

The defender will then join a new club permanently on a free transfer once his contract expires in 2024.

Staying in the Premier League with the likes of Manchester United or Newcastle United would offer financial benefits. But Koch will prioritise playing time and international aspirations.

With the 2024 European Championship on the horizon next summer, the German defender wants to fight for a place in the national team squad.

Koch believes that plying his trade in the Bundesliga would increase his chances of catching the attention of the national team coach and securing a spot in the tournament.

In addition to game time, Koch also seeks a more prominent leadership role at his future club.

This desire for greater responsibility is another factor driving him away from the Premier League.

The competition for places is fierce at the top English clubs. Koch is aware that his chances of assuming a leadership position may be limited.

Roma showed interest in the defender this summer as they seek to make some additions to Jose Mourinho’s squad.

However, they are seemingly out of the running for the Kaiserslautern-born defender, who helped his side keep five clean sheets in 36 league appearances last season while winning 57% of his duels.

As the transfer window gathers momentum, Kock looks destined to be plying his trade for Frankfurt or Leverkusen next season.