Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly preparing to battle it out for a new left-back at the turn of the year.

From a defensive standpoint, both Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag can be pleased with their work of late with a number of clean sheets having been recorded.

While Liverpool shipped just two goals in matches against Nottingham Forest, AC Milan and Bournemouth, United kept shutouts versus Southampton, Barnsley and Crystal Palace.

Nevertheless, that is not to say that both of the Dutch head coaches do not want to strengthen their ranks in that area of the pitch in January.

Issues at left-back?

From Liverpool's perspective, Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have been the long-term rivals at left-back, the former the clear first choice for that role.

However, Robertson is now 30 years of age and has less than two years left on his contract, while Tsimikas is unlikely to ever be regarded as the senior pick in the pecking order.

As for United, Ten Hag has had to deal with frequent injury issues involving Luke Shaw, while Tyrell Malacia has not featured in a competitive game since 2022-23.

Despite the latter edging nearer to a return, he will not be used on a regular basis should be in a position to step up his comeback in competitive matches.

According to The Sun, both teams have set their sights on trying to acquire the services of Fulham defender Antonee Robinson, potentially in January.

Is a transfer realistic?

With a contract in place until 2028, Robinson is tied to Fulham in the long term and could plausibly be viewed as indispensable by the Cottagers hierarchy.

As well as contributing three goals and 14 assists from his 156 appearances in all competitions, the United States international also possesses one of the strongest defensive records for left-backs in the Premier League.

For a transfer to materialise, Liverpool, United or other interested clubs will realistically have to be willing to pay in excess of £20m at the very least for a player who is excelling in a settled side.

Robinson may also only want to leave Craven Cottage if he is guaranteed regular starts. That is more achievable at United, yet the Red Devils may be against shelling out a big fee on that particular position when there are already alternatives at Ten Hag's disposal. body check tags ::