Published: June 11, 2022 10:22 pm
Last Updated: June 11, 2022 11:28 pm
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Leeds United look set to continue their reinforcement under American manager Jesse Marsch this summer, as the Elland Road outfit have set their sights on Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca.
Roca, a former Spanish youth international, was recently told by the Bavarian giants that he has no future at the Allianz Arena and will be jettisoned this summer, with rumors suggesting that he could be acquired for as little as £7.5million.
According to reports in Spanish outlet Marca, Leeds have all but sealed a deal for the Catalunya-native for a fee closer to the region of ~£12million, which would cover the amount Bayern paid La Liga outfit Espanyol for his services back in 2020.
Sources in Germany tell @TheAthleticUK that Leeds United are targeting Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca, formerly of Espanyol, as they look to increase their midfield options.
Story here:https://t.co/Lzn1Z0A9qV
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 9, 2022
Interest in Roca was first reported two days ago via The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, but a move looks to now have been pushed through in rapid order due to the growing links that point to key central figure Kalvin Phillips preparing to leave Leeds and make the jump to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
But questions could be asked regarding the capacity in which Roca is expected to come into the Leeds fold, especially if he is potentially meant to fill the void left by Phillips’ departure.
The Spanish midfielder had a torrid spell at Bayern after he shone for Espanyol for four seasons between 2016-20 before earning a move to the Bundesliga champions, failing to make his mark while featuring just fifteen times in the German top-flight across two years at the club.
Though he has much to prove and is young enough (25) to get his career back on track, it is difficult to see how he could at the very least signal a credible replacement for Phillips, instead likely viewed as a depth option under Marsch.
However, with Leeds not currently linked to further business regarding the center of the park, the Elland Road faithful may have to put a bit of trust in Marsch and club director of football Victor Orta, who has rarely let them down when it comes to player recruitment.
This article was edited by
Conor Laird.