Premier League club 'to attempt Martin Zubimendi U-turn' after Liverpool transfer rejection

Liverpool failed in its attempts to sign Real Sociedad holding midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer but Manchester City could supposedly go back in for the Spanish star in the January transfer window as it tries to replace ACL-stricken Rodri.

According to the Spanish outlet Revelo , Pep Guardiola's side is "ready to do anything" to bring in Zubimendi, who still has a release clause worth $66m (£51m/€60m) written into his contract. He has not signed new terms since the summer.

Zubimendi, though, will take some convincing. He has never wanted to leave La Real despite attempts to sign him being made not just by Liverpool but also by the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona .

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While Manchester City is keen on Zubimendi, the report says that it is "unlikely" the 25-year-old would want to depart his boyhood side mid-season. And regardless, only a few weeks after rejecting a Premier League move, performing a U-turn would be strange.

Only a few days ago, Zubimendi made his stance publicly clear again. "My philosophy is to do at home at all times what comes from within," he told Noticias De Gipuzkoa . "I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press, there is a lot of noise, but in the end, everything is easier than all that.

"Of course I don’t regret it; I can’t think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me. I see the potential in this team; you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season."

Liverpool.com says: Zubimendi would have been a good signing for Liverpool but there is no point trying to convince a player who isn't sure about the move. That would come with big risks attached in terms of him not settling into his new life in England.

Ryan Gravenberch has excelled since Zubimendi opted against moving to Anfield . Despite that, though, having an extra quality option in midfield would be no bad thing. Liverpool should still be on the hunt for players who can improve its roster even further.