Atletico Madrid target seasoned Premier League defender as Andy Robertson alternative should move for Liverpool star fail to materialise

Last week, reports emerged that Atletico Madrid are keen on signing Robertson from Liverpool this summer. The Scottish full-back only has a year left in his existing deal and could follow Trent Alexander-Arnold out of Anfield in the upcoming transfer window. While the La Liga side showed concrete interest in the defender, Fabrizio Romano claimed that they would try and convince the Reds to let the player leave for free.

The Times now reports that Atletico have already identified Robertson's alternative in case the English champions do not agree to let the player leave for free. Diego Simeone's side is reportedly keen on signing Digne from Aston Villa, who, like Robertson, has only a year left in his existing deal. Digne has prior experience of playing in Spain as he spent two years at Barcelona before moving to Everton in 2018.

The Reds have already started to look for Robertson's replacement and are closing in on signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. Kerkez is viewed as a long-term successor for their veteran full-back, who has anchored the team's left flank for several seasons.

After a thrashing 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their Club World Cup opener, Simeone's side will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Seattle Sounders in their second group game.