Leeds United target Bayern Munich man as third summer signing

Leeds United are chasing Bayern Munich outcast Marc Roca as their third signing of the summer, according to reports in England.

The Lilywhites were found wanting when it came to squad depth last season, something that contributed to their flirt with the Championship, with their Premier League survival only confirmed on the final day of the season.

Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw, both capable of playing at the base of midfield, missed a host of games between them, and left the Yorkshire side woefully exposed time and time again.

As such, it is no great surprise that Jesse Marsch is looking to bolster his options in the middle of the park, and a move for 25 year old Roca makes perfect sense, especially when the £10m price tag is taken into account.

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.

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— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 9, 2022

Roca excelled during his time at Espanyol, when he was linked to the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona, only for Bayern Munich to swoop in and pick him up from the relegated side.

However, in Bavaria he has found gametime hard to come by, starting just 4 times for Julien Nageslmann’s side as they lifted yet another Bundesliga trophy. And, with the addition of Ryan Gravenberch this summer, and the potential acquisition of Konrad Laimer, he will find himself further down the pecking order.

What about Phillips?

This would be Leeds’ third move of the summer, and would represent another considerable outlay for a club who have already made their record signing this summer.

However, as per the Athletic, Kalvin Phillips is, for now, not in danger of going anywhere, despite concrete interest from Manchester City.

‘Any sale involving him would lead to the acquisition of at least one more midfielder beyond Roca to fill the gap’, they add.