Leeds United, Newcastle and West Ham are just three of the Premier League clubs looking to sign £6 million Timo Hubers from Bundesliga outfit Cologne in the summer transfer window, speaking to The Mail.
Usually, at this stage of the season, Koln supporters are glancing nervously over their shoulders, counting the points between themselves at the relegation zone.
That they are currently closer to the Champions League places than they are to the bottom three owes much to the form of players like free-scoring striker Anthony Modeste, Germany international Jonas Hector and 25-year-old Hubers.
The centre-back has been in excellent form under flat-cap-wearing coach Steffen Baumgart, starting ten of Cologne’s last 11 Bundesliga matches.
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And with his contract expiring in 14 months’ time, the Cathedral City club won’t have it easy as they look to extend Hubers’ current deal.
Is Timo Hubers heading to the Premier League?
According to The Mail, the Cologne academy graduate – who returned to the club for a second spell from Hannover last year – could be available for just £6 million. Leeds are interested. No wonder, given that Jesse Marsch’s side have conceded the most goals in the Premier League (68).
Crystal Palace, Southampton and Newcastle are keen too. The Magpies have made a solid centre-half one of their top summer targets. And Hubers is more attainable and affordable than the likes of Diego Carlos and Sven Botman.
He is also their highest-rated player on the stats-based WhoScored website.
West Ham, meanwhile, also have their sights set on another Bundesliga centre-back with an expiring contract; Hertha Berlin’s Niklas Stark. David Moyes confirmed not so long ago that he wants defensive reinforcements with Issa Diop’s future uncertain.
West Ham may sell Diop for £10 million. Lyon are eyeing the former Toulouse captain.
A 6ft 2ins centre-back who’s impressive passing range would suit forward-thinking managers like Marsch, Patrick Vieira and Eddie Howe, Hubers also has admirers at a Fulham side cruising eight points clear at the top of the Championship table.
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