Leeds, Newcastle among six English clubs queuing up to sign Bundesliga defender

Leeds, Newcastle and West Ham are all hoping to land FC Koln defender Timo Hubers this summer, as per a report, although interest also stems from three more English teams.

Hubers came through Hannover’s academy before joining Koln’s second team in July 2015. A year later he moved back to Hannover and went on to make 39 appearances for the German club, scoring four times.

In July, the centre-back trod a familiar transfer path by re-joining Koln on a free transfer.

He struggled to get into the team in the first few months of the campaign but is now a regular starter.

25-year-old Hubers has featured in nearly every Bundesliga match since mid December. He only missed the 1-0 defeat to Hoffenheim in March after contracting Covid.

Hubers, a former Germany U18 international, is gaining admirers after putting in several impressive performances. And he could be on the move once the transfer window reopens this summer.

The player’s contract expires in 2023, which means Koln may be forced into a sale later this year. The Daily Mail reveal Leeds, Newcastle and West Ham are keeping tabs on the situation.

Also on Hubers’ trail are Crystal Palace and Southampton. The only side not in the Premier League to want him is Championship leaders Fulham.

The report claims he will be available for just £6million due to his contract situation. That represents a potential steal for a 6ft 2in ball-playing defender who has the attributes to succeed in the Prem.

Leeds have the worst defensive record in the top flight. 67 goals have gone past Illan Meslier, with another beating backup keeper Kristoffer Klaesson.

The Whites know their back line needs improving and Hubers may be the perfect signing to do just that.

Newcastle brought in Dan Burn during