Liverpool and Manchester United want to sign 26-year-old defender with £44 million release clause – Reports

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign Real Sociedad star Robin Le Normand to bolster their defence.

The Reds, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season, underwent a major squad rebuild in the summer, especially their midfield, for over £145 million. They opted not to sign a new centre-back despite Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip approaching the end of their career.

Erik ten Hag's United, meanwhile, spent over £180 million earlier this summer. They signed veteran defender Jonny Evans and relied on Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof as first-team options.

According to TEAMtalk, both Liverpool and Manchester United have their sights on Le Normand. They have been impressed with the 26-year-old's recent exploits, most importantly helping Sociedad qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Le Normand, whose contract expires in 2026, helped his team register 20 clean sheets in 41 appearances across competitions last season. Hence, both the Premier League giants are keen to pay his £44 million exit clause.

The Spaniard could be a first-team regular at either club. With both Van Dijk and Varane now past their best, the Brest youth product could be a key starter.

Le Normand has made 190 appearances across competitions for Imanol Alguacil's outfit. He has scored five goals and provided six assists since his first-team debut in 2018.

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Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool sent scouts to monitor Manchester United target

In his column for Caught Offside, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided insight into Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio's future.

He sqid that Liverpool are keen to battle it out with Manchester United to sign the 22-year-old star (h/t EOTK):

"Inacio continues to impress as one of the top young defenders in Europe, showing potential with Sporting and recently working his way onto Manchester United's potential list of targets.

"But there is also Liverpool – the Reds have always been in the stands to scout and follow the left-footed player but at the same time they never sent official bids or started negotiations. There's nothing new so far."

Inacio, whose deal expires in 2027, was linked with both aforementioned clubs in the summer. However, he penned an extension, which includes a £52 million exit clause.

A left-footed ball-playing centre-back, Inacio has helped his boyhood team register 23 shutouts since the start of the last season. He has registered 11 goals and eight assists in 133 games across competitions.