United accelerate efforts to pip LFC to ‘superb’ PL star -but they may have to pay over the odds

Manchester United and Liverpool are expected to go head-to-head in pursuit of Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, according to GiveMeSport. 

Links have recently emerged detailing the two rivals’ interest in the fullback, with some outlets even claiming that a January pursuit could be on the cards.

At Old Trafford, transfer chiefs are well aware that Luke Shaw simply cannot be relied on long-term anymore. Not only are his injury woes seemingly never-ending, but he also isn’t getting any younger, with his 30th birthday on the horizon next summer.

Tyrell Malacia, while a considerably younger option at 25, also carries a concerning injury record. He has played just one full season for United since joining in July 2022, with the knee complaint that he sustained on the final day of the 2022/2023 campaign ruling him out of the entirety of 2023/2024. The Dutch international is also yet to feature this term but has resumed full training with the squad.

As such, Robinson, 27, is a Premier League-proven candidate who could cement his place on the left-hand side of defence. He played an integral role for Fulham last season, eventually being named their Player of the Year in recognition of his ‘superb’ efforts.

The Cottagers won’t be in any rush to offload him, though. Last year, they tied the United States international down to a long-term contract extension, which keeps him on their books until 2028. The Fulham board value him in the region of £40 million – a price which United are unwilling to meet, although may eventually be resigned to if it means pipping Liverpool to his signature.