Liverpool transfer news as Martin Zubimendi wants 'immediate' decision amid alternative 'talks'

All roads lead to Martin Zubimendi at the moment for Liverpool as the Reds chase their first transfer of the summer.

The Real Sociedad midfielder is the name on the lips of every Liverpool fan at the moment, with a move for the 25-year-old being weighed up . It’s already been suggested though that Zubimendi’s club expects him to reach an agreement with the Reds .

Nevertheless, Sociedad looks as though it could make life hard for Liverpool, with his manager and others at the club going on a charm offensive to convince him to stay put. No doubt there will be plenty of eager eyes hoping to get a glimpse of him in action later against Union Berlin .

READ MORE: Real Sociedad sends out defiant Martin Zubimendi transfer message to Liverpool

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Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including the latest on Zubimendi, as well as news of a possible alternative.

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Martin Zubimendi wants to join Liverpool ‘with immediate effect’, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg . The Reds are said to be pushing to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder, with talks ongoing.

It remains unclear whether Liverpool will have to pay the $65m (£51m/€60m) release clause in full, or whether negotiations over the fee will be possible. Given Sociedad looks to be doing all it can to convince Zubimendi to stay, it seems likely the Reds may have to go for the former option.

Liverpool.com says: Yet more encouragement for Liverpool, although while Zubimendi remains in training with Sociedad and in their squad for today’s friendly against Union Berlin, we shouldn’t expect a move to be ‘immediate’ by any stretch of the imagination.

It does seem as though the wheels are in motion though. Sociedad look as though they will try to make things as tricky as they can, but hopefully Zubimendi is convinced on a move to Anfield.

Adrien Rabiot (Free agent)

Liverpool has held initial talks with Adrien Rabiot as they line up the French midfielder as a possible alternative to Zubimendi, according to Football Insider . The Reds are said to have registered their interest in case a move for the Spain international falls through.

Rabiot is available as a free agent this summer after his contract at Juventus expired, and has supposedly been added to a list of names of potential Zubimendi alternatives. Other clubs, like Manchester United and Real Madrid, have been linked to his signature though.

Liverpool.com says: To cut a long story short, not going to happen. Rabiot links with Liverpool are nothing new but this has to be among the most outlandish of them. The Frenchman simply doesn’t fit the criteria Arne Slot is looking for in a No.6.