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.
Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a transfer target for Man City in January Credit: Getty
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.
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.
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.
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.
MAYA JAMA channelled her inner Pamela Anderson as she made a mad dash to the latest round of Baller League.The competition is back and headed up by president KSI, who recently sold out Wembley in the Sidemen Charity Match.Maya Jama channeled her inner Pammie as she made a mad dash to the Baller LeagueJama resembled Pamela Anderson's CJ Parker character from BaywatchAnd Jama, 30, is among the celeb...
Sarina Wiegman praised her England team after they “kept it simple” in a 5-0 rout of Nations League opponents Belgium at Ashton Gate.First-half goals from Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright underlined England’s control of the contest, and it could have been more but Alessia Russo twice hit the post.Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones scored her maiden Lionesses goal after 67 minutes, with n...
Valerien Ismael insisted he was the man to turn around Blackburn’s fortunes after a 2-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough played out on a night of sustained fan protests against the club’s ownership and his own management.Boro moved into the play-off places with a fifth win in seven as they make a late promotion charge, but it is a very different story for Blackburn who have dropped out of ...
Middlesbrough climbed up to fifth in the Championship with a 2-0 win over beleaguered Blackburn that piled pressure on Valerien Ismael and the club’s hierarchy at a febrile Ewood Park.Against a backdrop of angry fan protests against the Venky’s Group that has owned Rovers since 2010, Boro struck twice in the opening eight minutes to take control.Tommy Conway needed less than 90 seconds...
England comfortably preserved their unbeaten record in this season’s Nations League after a dominant display saw them brush aside Belgium 5-0 at Ashton Gate.First-half goals from Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright underlined England’s control of the contest, and it could have been more but Alessia Russo twice hit the post.Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones scored her first Lionesses goal after 6...
Ange Postecoglou insisted his controversial cupped ear celebration to Tottenham fans in a 1-0 loss at Chelsea had been misinterpreted on another bad night for the Australian.Spurs slipped to a 16th defeat in the Premier League this season thanks to a 50th-minute header by Enzo Fernandez, but it only told half the story of a typically frenzied London derby.VAR was required to rule out a fine strike...
Chelsea climbed back into the Premier League’s top four as Enzo Fernandez’s header early in the second half earned a 1-0 derby win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.Enzo Maresca’s side were under pressure after limping into the international break playing football that had ceased to excite home fans, but they largely had the better of a disappointing Spurs team that failed to tak...
Reports suggest a striker, a new central midfielder, a winger and a backup goalkeeper all on the Italian's agenda as the season comes to a close. However, this means player sales will also be key to boosting Arteta's spending power if they want to comply with financial rules much like every other Premier League side. Raheem Sterling and veteran No.2 goalkeeper Neto are both set to return to their ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Sam Barrott last night Kiwior VS Vinicius Jr. & Mbappe Fun Fact Once upon a time they all used to called as next Messi. VAR referee placing bets during a live game in the Bulgaria league. Only Didier Drogba can do this… Tottenham always make Chelsea feel better Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, ori...
Manchester United will beat Arsenal to the signing of fearsome Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to a Liverpool legend.Gyokeres is one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in the world after registering an incredible 85 goals in 92 appearances for Sporting CP since joining the club in July 2023. The 26-year-old was prevented from leaving last summer by a massive €100mil...
- 1 Reading extend unbeaten League One run to 11 games with win over Peterborough
- 2 Danny Rohl hails Sheffield Wednesday resilience in draw at Cardiff
- 3 Alfie May double sends Birmingham step closer to Championship
- 4 Marcus Rashford scores first Premier League goal for Villa in win at Brighton
- 5 Ryan Lowe and Conor Hourihane felt team deserved more as Wigan and Barnsley draw
- 6 Hollywood superstar Anne Hathaway sends clear message to Bukayo Saka
- 7 Mat Sadler hails Taylor Allen set-piece skills after Walsall snatch draw
- 8 Chris Davies says Alfie May’s goal drought never concerned him
- 9 Football fan 'eats' raw pig's head in ultimate insult
- 10 Marcus Rashford still looking to improve after firing Villa into FA Cup semis