Report: 27-year-old set to snub Newcastle move this summer to switch clubs in La Liga

Newcastle United could be set to miss out on one of their big defensive targets this summer as he looks set to remain in Spain.

The Magpies have been linked with an interest in Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand sparking the dream of Newcastle having Botman and Robin in defence. The merchandise practically sells itself.

Le Normand has been impressing this season for Real Sociedad and it's not just Newcastle who have expressed an interest in the 27-year-old with Atletico Madrid also keen on the Spain international.

Eddie Howe needs to add defensive reinforcements to his squad after losing Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for nine months after both underwent ACL surgery.

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Newcastle look likely to lose out to Atletico Madrid

However, as much as Le Normand is admired by Newcastle, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo now claims that Le Normand would prefer the move to Atletico Madrid.

It's believed that Atletico Madrid wouldn't be prepared to pay 'silly money' for Le Normand, but they would offer up Javi Galan in a part-exchange to reduce the fee.

Newcastle would likely go in with a cash-only offer unless Sociedad have their eyes on any of our fringe players. We would throw in Jeff Hendrick, but then we'd have to pay even more money to even things out.

Le Normand is closing in on a completely injury-free season

Le Normand has made 40 appearances this season for Sociedad which is the kind of consistency we need right now with so many players picking up injuries this season.

It sounds like Newcastle may have a hard time convincing Le Normand to switch the Spanish sunshine for the near-constant gale-force winds that the North East has been enjoying lately.

To be honest, we have never seen him play, we don't know how good he is, but we can't get beyond the Botman and Robin thing and that alone makes us want this transfer to go through.