BREAKING: The much-speculated player Liverpool want to sign has now been NAMED

A trusted journalist has now named the player Liverpool are reportedly pushing to sign this summer after much speculation.

Paul Joyce of The Times claims Liverpool are considering Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder has been one of several names linked to the Reds over the past 24 hours.

A report from the Athletic claimed Liverpool wanted a new no.6 and had finally chosen a player for the role. That came after prior reports that they were unable to find a suitable candidate.

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So the news that they'd settled on a player generated plenty of excitement - and speculation. The Athletic didn't actually name anyone, after all, and there are plenty of interesting holding midfielders out there.

Zubimendi, though, was at the top of just about everyone's wishlist and it appears he's at the top of Liverpool's, too. Whether they can secure him this summer, however, is another matter.

Liverpool want Martin Zubimendi

Zubimendi is an incredibly exciting player and one who fits Liverpool's profile nicely. He's just moving into his prime years right now, while he's also coming off the back of a brilliant couple of seasons at Real Sociedad.

The 25-year-old also impressed in the Euro 2024 final. Replacing Rodi at half-time, Zubimendi helped Spain secure the trophy with a complete midfield display.

That kind of football has Liverpool interested and we believe he's be a near-perfect signing this summer. But he is expensive.

As Joyce points out in The Times, Zubimendi's release clause stands at £51m and it's almost certain that Sociedad demand the full fee. Liverpool could offset that by selling other players - Tyler Morton among them - but it's still a steep price.

But if the Reds believe he's the ideal player to build Arne Slot's team, then £51m could look like a small price. The next few weeks will be very interesting.