Newcastle United enter race for former Alexander Isak teammate with £43m release clause

Newcastle United are considering a summer move for Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand, according to reports.

Born in France, the 27-year-old was granted approval to represent Spain last year and has already done so nine times. Le Normand arrived at Sociedad six years ago and was part of the team that qualified for the Champions League last season - the club’s first appearance in a decade.

Le Normand was a late bloomer and has only started attracting interest from European heavyweights in recent seasons. Last summer, Napoli were reportedly chasing the centre-back after losing Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich.

FootballFanCast now claim Newcastle are scouting Le Normand as their summer preparations ramp up. Long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles has moved a centre-back up the list of priorities at St James’ Park.

As it stands, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are the only first-team options available. Paul Dummett can play there but, as proved against Everton in midweek, is no longer capable at Premier League level.

Le Normand has two years left on his contract with a reported €50million [£43million] release clause. Sociedad are understood to be unwilling to negotiate on that figure for one of the first names on their team sheet.

His playing style has been compared to Arsenal talisman William Saliba. Should the Magpies sign Le Normand, at five years his junior, he would be viewed as the long-term replacement for Fabian Schar.

The Sociedad man was teammates with Alexander Isak for three seasons and continues to share a dressing room with former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino. Napoli are still thought to be keeping tabs on his situation as they prepare for their own summer rebuild.