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Man City plan £50m transfer swoop for LaLiga star and Euros winner – six months after he snubbed Liverpool move
But there is one significant stumbling block
MANCHESTER CITY are planning a £50.3million January swoop for Martin Zubimendi — six months after he turned his back on Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder was on Anfield’s summer hitlist and was close to sealing a deal before a U-turn meant he stayed put.
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Spain’s Euros winner also insisted last month he wanted to remain at boyhood club Sociedad, saying: “The best solution is staying.
"I want to grow and develop here.”
But sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all.
And that has put City on high alert.
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Their failure to cope with the long-term absence of crocked Ballon d’Or winner Rodri continued with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton — their fourth loss in a row.
And Zubimendi — who came on for Rodri at half-time in Spain’s 2-1 Euros final win over England — would be an ideal replacement.
Rodri, 28, is out for the season after rupturing his ACL during September’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The pair have played together for their nation, giving City the potential of a mouthwatering defensive midfield partnership when Rodri returns.
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The release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Pep Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.
City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.
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One potential stumbling block could be ongoing uncertainty about the Spaniard’s own future.
There is still no sign of a definite decision over his plans beyond the summer.
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