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Exhausted De Bruyne: Belgium Future Talk On Hold
Atlético Madrid are closing in on signing Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand in a deal worth around €30 million ($32m), sources have told ESPN.
Atlético are also in talks to sign Feyenoord centre-back Dávid Hancko.
Sources have told ESPN that Le Normand, who is competing at Euro 2024 with Spain, has agreed to join Atlético this summer.
French-born Le Normand, 27, is at the peak of his career. He recently completed his fifth campaign at Real Sociedad, making 47 appearances across all competitions, including seven in the Champions League.
Sources also confirmed to ESPN that Atlético were able to convince Real Sociedad executives in a recent meeting to lower their initial asking price of €35m to facilitate the player's transfer to Madrid.
Sources have told ESPN that negotiations have been smooth considering both clubs are also in talks for Atlético defender Javi Galán to extend his stay at Real Sociedad.
Galan spent the second half of last season on loan at the San Sebastian-based club from Atlético.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone requested his club to strengthen and rejuvenate the team's defensive line in this transfer window, with his team having conceded 43 goals in 38 games in LaLiga this past season.
Atlético are also working on signing Hancko. The Slovakia centre-back is eager to play in LaLiga but the clubs have yet to reach an agreement.
Sources have told ESPN that Atletico made a €20m offer to Feyenoord but the Dutch club will only listen to offers above €30m.
Atlético are nevertheless optimistic an agreement can be reached but will look at alternative players if they cannot convince Feyenoord to lower their demands.
Atlético are in need of defensive reinforcements with the club having already confirmed that Montenegro veteran defender Stefan Savic terminated his contract while Spanish defender Mario Hermoso turned down a contract extension to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano beyond this summer.
Turkish defender Caglar Söyüncü is also expected to leave Atlético.
Soyuncu is set to join Fenerbahce on a permanent transfer for a fee of up to €10m just one year after joining Atlético as a free agent.
