Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Reds strengthened their midfield with a number of additions last summer, recruiting Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo.
However, Liverpool are still keen to bolster their engine room, with the Reds looking to bring in a top-quality operator to feature in the number six role.
The Merseyside club recently added Zubimendi to their list of midfield targets and were making plans to start negotiations with Real Sociedad over a potential deal.
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Liverpool step up Zubimendi pursuit
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are now in talks with the Basque side and are 'pushing' to strike a deal to sign the Euro 2024 winner.
The update claims that it is currently unclear whether Real Sociedad are demanding Zubimendi's €60m (£51.5m) release clause or whether they are willing to negotiate a fee with Liverpool.
Zubimendi has previously indicated that he is happy to remain at Real Sociedad despite attracting significant interest this summer.
However, it is now being reported that the Spain international is 'keen' to join Arne Slot's side with 'immediate effect'.
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Are Liverpool facing competition from elsewhere?
While Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit, Zubimendi has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona this summer.
However, Liverpool could have the edge due to the player's links with former Reds midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
The 42-year-old coached Zubimendi during his time as Real Sociedad's B team manager, and the pair currently share the same agency which could benefit Liverpool in their bid to sign the midfielder this summer.
Zubimendi could be tempted to follow in the footsteps of Alonso, who left Real Sociedad for Liverpool in the summer of 2004.
The 25-year-old has made 188 competitive appearances since coming through the youth ranks at Real Sociedad, helping the Basque side win the 2019-20 Copa del Rey and achieve Champions League qualification in 2022-23.
Zubimendi also featured in four matches in Spain's successful Euro 2024 campaign earlier this summer, including an impressive appearance as a half-time substitute in the 2-1 win over England in the final.
