Leeds United defender Robin Koch has admitted that talks over a new Elland Road deal are underway.

The Lowdown: Exit rumours

Koch has managed to remain fully fit in recent months and has made himself a regular as a centre-back during the current Premier League campaign. He has made 25 top-flight appearances, missing just one league fixture and playing every minute under new manager Javi Gracia, with the Spaniard praising the German following his first game in charge.

However, with the Whites involved in another relegation battle, there has been speculation that a number of first-team stars at Elland Road, including Koch, are already planning to quit if the club drop back down to the Championship.

The German defender, Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison have been linked with a summer exit if things don’t go to plan on the pitch, however, Koch has now had his say on his future.

The Latest: Contract update

The Yorkshire Evening Post relayed comments from Koch in the last 48 hours, where he was quizzed on his future. The player said that ‘first talks’ have been held between the club and his advisor over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2024.

"During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Koch has enjoyed an injury-free campaign on the whole so far this season, playing in his main position at centre-back and striking up a relationship with January signing Max Wober in recent months.

Therefore, it makes sense for Leeds to look at agreeing on a new deal, especially with Newcastle United showing a recent interest in the 26-year-old.

Labelled as ‘outstanding’ by Clinton Morrison earlier this season, Koch may not be the only one to extend his stay in Yorkshire, with reports stating that talks with Harrison are also at an advanced stage.

Both players have been key under Gracia so far, with Harrison netting a late equaliser against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend, and with the pair out of contract in 2024, from a business perspective, extensions make sense and should keep their valuation high heading into the summer, so the quicker they can be finalised the better.