Liverpool are pushing hard to convince European Championship winner Martin Zubimendi to join the club – but the Reds are fighting against an intense charm offensive from top executives at Real Sociedad.
It emerged on Wednesday that Zubimendi, the 25-year-old defensive midfielder, had been earmarked as a top target for Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes to improve the No 6 position at Liverpool.
Zubimendi has a release clause of €60million (£51.6m) and, while some close to the Spanish club have admitted they are resigned to losing the player this summer, it is believed he is yet to make a final decision on whether to depart his boyhood team.
Mail Sport understands Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is leading a drive to persuade Zubimendi to stay put. The boss, who handed Zubimendi his first-team debut in 2019, has held several meetings with the midfielder this week to tempt him away from Liverpool.
Zubimendi rejected Arsenal and Bayern Munich last summer and he is leaning towards leaving more now than ever before. But Imanol and La Real executives have told the player his best option might be to continue in Spain for at least one more year.
Merseyside-based sources have played down any suggestion of confidence but it is fair to say Liverpool are pushing hard.
Credit: dailymail.co.uk
