Atletico Madrid have identified another player they could sign should their attempt to land Liverpool’s Andy Robertson falls through.

Amid the Reds transformative summer moves, the club’s left-back situation has become a strong topic. 

Reports in recent days have linked Robertson with a surprise move to Atletico Madrid in Spain, subsequently sparking debate over his Anfield future. 

For example, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Atletico Madrid have Robertson as their top target for left-back this summer, as he is appreciated internally as an ideal candidate.

Atletico Madrid 'identify Premier League star as shock alternative to Andy Robertson' if Spanish club fail to land Liverpool veteran this summer	Atletico Madrid identify Premier League star as shock alternative to Andy Robertson if Spanish club fail to land Liverpool veteran this summer	Andy Robertson transfer round-up - Atletico Madrid interest and Milos Kerkez Liverpool talks

Atletico’s pursuit of Robertson comes with the 31-year-old entering the final year of his contract, having won multiple trophies and established himself as one of the club’s modern-day greats.

The Scotsman’s contributions to the club have always proved monumental, yet his potential departure encapsulates the broader challenge Liverpool may face. 

Robertson made 45 appearances last season, but his two assists are far below the numbers we have become so used to seeing from him.

With Kerkez potentially joining, the Scotland captain’s chance of getting regular game time at Liverpool will be heavily impacted.

Robertson himself has not ruled out a potential move.

Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland, he acknowledged his age and the reality of the situation, “I’m not getting any younger – I can’t change my age – but I still believe I’ve got a lot to give.” He added, “I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going.

I can’t tell you how I’ll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent.”

However, there is no certainty about Robertson leaving Liverpool this season, as Atletico Madrid will still have to agree with the Reds over a financial package that will allow the defender.

In light of this, the Spanish club are already on the lookout for alternatives.

And according to The Athletic, they have set their sights on former Everton defender Lucas Digne as a potential option should they fail to land Robertson.

“Atletico Madrid have placed Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne on a list of alternative options should their interest in Andrew Robertson reach a dead end,” the report said.

The report also provided some insight into Arne Slot’s plans for the left-back position, revealing that while Kerkez is likely to be Liverpool’s main man for that position next season, there is a chance that Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas will also have a huge role to play next season.

“Liverpool’s intention would be for Kerkez to make the position his, especially given the fee he will eventually command.

However, with Arne Slot’s side looking to challenge on four fronts next season — Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round by Plymouth Argyle and the Champions League round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain — there remains scope for Robertson, or Tsimikas, to play a significant number of games.”

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