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Nico Gonzalez of FC Porto(Image: Getty Images)

The Liverpool scouting team is reportedly massively impressed with a new midfield target as a possible alternative to Martin Zubimendi when the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool made attempts to lure Zubimendi from Real Sociedad last summer but were rebuffed, with the player choosing to stay put.

Speaking recently on his decision, Zubimendi shared: "It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.

"I don't believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities.

I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take."

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Furthermore, he explained: "It wasn't that hard of a decision.

Dominik Szoboszlai played a stellar role in Sunday's emphatic 6-3 win against Tottenham, which sees Liverpool sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League by four points, plus a game in hand, come Christmas Day.

Anfield Watch has reported that Liverpool are still eyeing potential reinforcements, with Zubimendi remaining a target.

Gonzalez, who offers more of a box-to-box option compared to Zubimendi, has a buyout clause in his Porto contract set at £49.8m (€60m), making him similarly priced to Zubimendi, despite being three years his junior.

However, Real Sociedad have made it clear that Zubimendi wishes to stay at San Sebastian beyond January, despite interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.

"There is little peace of mind about clauses, but in all this time Martin himself has shown us that above clauses are intentions," said sporting director Roberto Olabe about Zubimendi.

"Until today we have already seen the behaviour that has been demonstrated, I do not anticipate that we will have any scares in January."


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