After much deliberation, Martin Zubimendi has opted to reject Liverpool's advances, but there are still plenty of options the Reds could go for in the market. 

It's not over until it's over. Liverpool have faced yet another setback in their pursuit of a holding midfielder with Martin Zubimendi deciding to stay at Real Sociedad.

There is no question about it Zubimendi's rejection is a major blow but the transfer window is still open and Liverpool have time to fix the gaping problems needed to be addressed in the squad.

Most notably, that is the lack of players capable of playing in the no.6 role. With just over two weeks to go all the focus now will be on who Liverpool will look to target in the coming weeks ahead.

Here are five alternative options the club could look to approach.

READ MORE: Barcelona looking to sign 'unbelievable' Liverpool player

Who could be Liverpool's alternatives to Martin Zubimendi?

Even though the holding midfield market is a difficult one to navigate around, there are still options out there for Liverpool to pursue.

Arne Slot wants a holding midfielder who covers a lot of ground and is also capable of progressing the ball and heavily involving himself in the build-up.

Someone who matches this criteria and who Liverpool have pursued extensively is Teun Koopmeiners. The Dutch international is also well liked by Arne Slot, having thrived under him at AZ Alkmaar.

Koopmeiners may not be the quickest, but he's capable of covering a lot of ground and is renowned for his distribution. In Slot's system, he could become an ideal no.6.

Another player reported to be on Liverpool's radar is Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman is available on a free transfer and he is someone who could be a potential fit for the club if they are still without a no.6 come the final stretch of the transfer window.

Other alternatives for Liverpool could include Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller. The former Bayern Munich midfielder has enjoyed a great campaign in the Bundesliga and is known for being someone who can play the short passing style that Arne Slot demands while also being able to win a high volume of duels.

Elsewhere, Morten Frendrup has been on Liverpool's radar in the past and he's someone who Liverpool could go for with the Danish U21 international a boyhood supporter of the Reds and also in great form in Serie A.

A more pricey option could be Joao Gomes with Wolverhampton, likely demanding an excessive fee for his services. However, Liverpool have been admirers of the player before and if they are still keen to bring in a holding midfielder they should have the funds to sign the Brazilian.

Another possible option could be Alan Varela, but Porto are unwilling to sell him at this stage and even gave him the captain's armband. Richard Hughes would have to pull a lot of strings to get that one over the line.