Atletico Madrid have reportedly made one of Liverpool’s long-time favourites a high priority signing for this summer.
Diego Simeone’s side requires some rebuilding work with multiple stars expected to leave after they finished a distant third in LaLiga.
And now they have set their sights on Andy Robertson, according to The Athletic.
Robertson is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield and his future is under threat at they are trying to sign Bournemouth’s £45million-rated left-back Milos Kerkez.
But the 31-year-old, who has performed with distinction across eight trophy-laden seasons on Merseyside, appears up for the challenge of fighting for his spot.
‘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,’ Robertson told Sky Sports.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly made Andy Robertson one of their top transfer targets
Liverpool are looking to sign Bournemouth’s £45m-rated left-back Milos Kerkez this summer
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‘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.
‘But you know, that’s the nature of football and it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and we keep moving.’
Atletico are searching for a new left-back because Cesar Azpilicueta and Reinildo’s contracts are both ending. They also have Javi Galan.
The capital club have had success signing British stars in recent seasons, with Kieran Trippier and Conor Gallagher making a successful fist of things there.
Diego Simeone is looking to shore up his side after a third-placed finish in LaLiga last season
Robertson has never had a serious challenge to his position, though Kostas Tsimikas and Alberto Moreno before him have been capable deputies.
The fact that Liverpool have not wrapped up a new contact for him is not necessarily an indication that they are seeing him off.
Ibrahima Konate is in the same situation and they left it late with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Robertson only delivered one assist in the Premier League last season in 33 games and made some uncharacteristic errors.
However, his role has changed from his more marauding days and he will often sit in when his opposite number bombs forward, which they will expect a lot of from Frimpong.
Kerkez will present a dangerous challenge afetr an impressive season for Bournemouth.
Liverpool are understood to be in direct contact with the Cherries and will try to negotiate a lower fee than the £45m they want.
