Man Utd to rival Real Madrid for Spain star
Cameron Smith
- 30 Oct 2023 13:39 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United’s search for a new centre-back has seen them identify Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand as a viable transfer target, according to reports in Spain.
The 26-year-old signed a new contract at Sociedad in 2022, but links with a move away have persisted despite that extended deal.
Erik ten Hag’s desire to sign a new defender has been well reported, with a host of different options on Man Utd’s radar.
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Jean-Clair Todibo, Giorgio Scalvini, Goncalo Inacio, Edmond Tapsoba, Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi and Antonio Silva have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford and Le Normand has now accompanied them on Man Utd’s wishlist, as per Fichajes.
The Spanish outlet have reported there is a possibility Le Normand leaves Real Sociedad next summer amid interest from major European clubs.
While Man Utd are reportedly well placed to make a move for the Spanish international, they face serious competition from Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have been monitoring Le Normand for some time and were keen on signing him last summer before he signed a new contract at Real Sociedad. However, David Alaba’s age means that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are looking to sign a new defender to partner Eder Militao or Antonio Rudiger.
Man Utd want Le Normand
Man Utd’s desire to sign a new centre-back comes as little surprise given Jonny Evans started the Manchester derby ahead of Raphael Varane, with Ten Hag citing tactical reasons were behind that decision.
Lisandro Martinez’s injury problems have continued this campaign and a new centre-back is seen as a top priority for 2024.
Le Normand has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Real Sociedad this season, although he has started their past two La Liga games on the substitutes bench. He came on for the final 19 minutes against Mallorca before remaining an unused sub versus Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
