Martin Zubimendi: Update on Man City beating Liverpool to deal
Man City are considering a move to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed that the midfielder has had second thoughts about his decision to turn down a move to Liverpool in the summer.
Zubimendi, 25, had been the top target for Arne Slot's side, but he rebuffed their approach in favour of sticking with his boyhood club.
Now, however, Man City have identified the midfielder as a potential replacement for Rodri, who is expected to miss an extended period with a knee injury.
Sources say a deal will be difficult to pull off in January given the price tag involved, as Sociedad are set to demand a significant fee to facilitate his departure.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain interested in a deep-lying midfielder and have been tipped to return with a new bid for the Spaniard when the window opens.
Football Insider revealed on 18 August that the Reds would enter the transfer market in January for an A-list midfielder, but would not rush into any deals for the sake of it.
Man City line up Martin Zubimendi offer after Liverpool twist
Rodri suffered a "serious" knee injury in City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad, with the impact of his absence coming as a huge blow to Pep Guardiola's side.
After a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at St James Park, the gap left by the Spaniard's absence has become clear, and City have been tipped to spend big on a replacement.
As revealed by Football Insider on 27 September, City have a "huge" transfer kitty to spend on a new midfield option after the £81million sale of Julian Alvarez.
While sources say the names they are looking at are unlikely to be available in January, there is a feeling clubs could be tempted by big offers amid the club's desperation.
Mateo Kovacic was the man chosen to replace Rodri at St James' Park, but the lack of a like-for-like replacement at the base of their midfield continues to pose an issue.
Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella is another name at the top of City's list, as Football Insider revealed, but is expected to cost upwards of £70million.
Zubimendi's price tag is expected to be similarly steep, but he remains a key option for Guardiola and his transfer team ahead of the January window.
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