Leeds United are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for in-demand 25-year-old 1.FC Koln centre-back Timo Hubers.
According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds United have stepped up their pursuit of a new defender in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Timo Hubers emerging as one of their top targets. The 1.FC Koln centre-back has made a solid impression in the Bundesliga this term, with Leeds scouts following his development closely.
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has a vast knowledge of German football due to his coaching background. He believes Hubers has what it takes to become a success in the Premier League, and it appears the Whites could be in contention to snap him in the summer transfer window.
A native of Hamburg, Hubers was formerly a part of Hannover’s youth academy before he joined Koln last summer. The German defender joined the club on a free transfer and has since turned out to be a major bargain for the Bundesliga outfit.
In his maiden season in the Bundesliga, the 25-year-old has become a defensive lynchpin for Koln, impressing the onlookers with his imposing 1.90m presence at the back, coupled with his dogged defensive philosophy and discipline. It has made Hubers an ideal cog in the Koln backline under the leadership of the charismatic Steffen Baumgart.
In light of his breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, Hubers could be on the verge of earning a Premier League move this summer. The 25-year-old is already a target for Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle United, and it appears Leeds United have joined the race as well.
Currently embroiled in a relegation battle, the Whites are keen on adding depth in the defensive unit that has struggled with a myriad of injuries throughout the course of the campaign. Leeds United coach Marsch believes he could find his desired player in the Bundesliga, having already targeted Hoffenheim’s Florian Grillitsch.
And in Timo Hubers, he could find himself another budding centre-back looking to become one of Germany’s finest. Although the Koln centre-back has a long way to go before he can establish himself as an option for the national team, a move to Leeds United could represent a major upgrade, as the 25-year-old looks to take the next step in his career.
The report suggests Hubers has a £6.7 million release clause embedded in his contract, meaning the German defender could be no less than a bargain for Leeds United in the coming summer.