Atletico Madrid 'identify France international as alternative to Andy Robertson' if they fail to land Liverpool veteran this summer

Daily Mail​

5 hours ago

Atletico Madrid have identified Aston Villa 's Lucas Digne as a potential alternative to Andy Robertson if they fail to sign the Liverpool defender, according to a report.
The Spanish side have been in talks with AC Milan for Theo Hernandez but, after failing to reach agreement, have switched to Robertson, mindful that he could slip down the pecking order when Liverpool sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
Atletico have yet to make a formal approach to Liverpool but have been informed that Robertson is interested in talking to them.
According to The Times, Digne, who like Robertson has one year left on his contract, has been identified as a potential alternative if they cannot get a deal for the Scotland captain over the line.
The French is said to have an admirer in head coach Diego Simeone, who values his ability to attack and defend.
The 31-year-old has previously played in LaLiga, spending two years with Barcelona before moving to Everton in 2018. He had been in the West Midlands since January 2022.
Robertson, who saw close friend Trent Alexander-Arnold make his move to Atletico's rivals Real last week, is yet to agree a new deal despite talks.
Asked about his future, Robertson said: 'I'm not getting any younger - I can't change my age - but I still believe I've got a lot to give.
'We've had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I'm not sure.'
Recently, Robertson also appeared to show he was eager to fight for his spot at Liverpool during an interview with Sky Sports.
'I think at any big club you always have to keep moving, the club always moves forward and I think you've also seen other big clubs like Manchester City have been very active early doors in the window,' he said.
'I know we've only got Jeremie Frimpong through the door so far but it looks as though one or two others are going to be close from what we can see on Sky Sports News.
'But just now we're at the top, we obviously won the league, and it's important that the club keeps improving and finding ways to do that.
He went on: 'The club have identified certain positions where they want to get new blood in, it looks like players we're linked to are all younger players and they are all exciting players as well.
'So when you play for a big club like Liverpool you expect challenges, you expect competition and I have always faced that, everyone here has faced that in their own positions and I expect nothing less.
'I want the club to be ambitious, they are doing that and wherever we fit into that, if we're happy with our role, we stay and we do it and if not then I am sure there will be a few out the door as well.