Arne Slot lines up £51m Euro 2024 winner as first Liverpool transfer as he looks to beat Man Utd to Spain star

LIVERPOOL are keen on signing Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi.

The midfielder, who has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United, has been named as a top target for the Merseyside club.

Ahead of the fast-approaching Premier League season, the Reds are exploring a deal for Zubimendi.

However, the deal is understood to be difficult with the 25-year-old's release clause having to be paid in full.

Zubimendi is believed to have a £51.7million buyout in his Sociedad contract, a hefty fee to cover in one.

However, that would only become relevant if the Spanish side are unwilling to negotiate a lower fee for their star man.

Another stumbling block for Liverpool could be convincing Zubimendi to make the switch to the Premier League.

According to , other suitors such as Arsenal and Barcelona have failed to convince the Spain international to jump ship.

Zubimendi was part of Spain's Euro 2024 squad, helping his nation lift the trophy in Berlin.

The defensive minded midfielder made four appearances across the tournament, including an impressive second half display against England in the final after Man City star Rodri was forced off with injury.

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Liverpool are still looking to plug a gap in their midfield after the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Thiago in recent transfer windows.

New boss Arne Slot has been experimenting with Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in the No6 position during the club's pre-season preparations.

But has admitted that his side are "keeping their eyes open to see what's available" in the transfer market.

Zubimendi's release clause could mean he is an option that the club could go for without the need for drawn out negotiations.

While the club also have a strong link to Zubimendi's agent Inaki Ibanez.

Ibanez, who is also the agent of Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola, is well known to Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.

Hughes was Technical Directer at Bournemouth when bringing Iraola into the club as new boss, while Alonso had been approached to be the new Liverpool boss before Slot after Jurgen Klopp's exit.

Liverpool have just one pre-season game remaining before they get their Premier League campaign underway.

Slot's side take on Sevilla at Anfield on Sunday before facing new-boys Ipswich Town at Portman Road for their opening league clash of the season.

An deal for Zubimendi would almost certainly spark the departure of Endo.

A £12m bid for the Japanese from Marseille who joined from Stuttgart for £16M in 2023 has been rejected.

The 31-year-old started only one pre-season game and a purchase of Zubimendi could well see a deal done with the French club.