Liverpool transfers: Martin Zubimendi twist as huge offer is revealed

Real Sociedad are pulling out all the stops in an attempt to persuade Martin Zubimendi to not join Liverpool this summer.

The 25-year-old, who helped Spain beat England to reclaim the European Championships last month, has emerged as the Reds' number one transfer target as new head coach Arne Slot seeks to upgrade his defensive midfield options.

With a release clause of £51m in his Real Sociedad contract, it's almost certain Liverpool would have to pay the fee in full if they're to have any hope of luring the San Sebastian native to Merseyside this summer.

Now, it would appear that Zubimendi is open to a move. After all, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that the midfielder is "really, really tempted to join Liverpool" as he believes the club is "really something special".

Meanwhile, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has backed up local reports from San Sebastián by confirming that Zubimendi wants to join Liverpool "with immediate effect".

Real Sociedad make huge play for Zubimendi

However, Real Sociedad are willing to go to great lengths to get Zubimendi to stay.

According to Basque-based outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa, not only are Sociedad prepared to offer the midfielder a new contract that would make him the club's highest-paid player, but president Jokin Aperribay has returned from his holiday in light of everything that has happened in recent days.

The report goes on to state that it can't be ruled out that the Zubimendi saga will be closed one way or another this weekend as Liverpool want a final decision because they are not going to wait for him.