Man City given 'green light' to beat Liverpool to £50m Martin Zubimendi transfer

Manchester City have been handed a boost in their reported interest in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Reports have emerged in recent weeks claiming that City are interested in signing the Spain international ahead of the January transfer window. Liverpool were also heavily linked with signing Zubimendi in the summer before he opted to remain with Sociedad until the New Year, at the very least.

The injury to Rodri has led to rumours that City could look to sign a new defensive midfielder in the January transfer window. Rodri is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, although he recently outlined his intention to be available before the campaign draws to a close.

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Zubimendi reportedly rejected a move to Liverpool in favour of remaining with his boyhood club in Sociedad. However, a fresh update has emerged that could give City a boost in their hopes of signing the midfielder.

According to The Sun, Zubimendi has changed his mind about remaining in La Liga and has instead decided that he wants to move to the Premier League. As a result, City are now keeping tabs on the midfielder ahead of the January window following the apparent decision from Zubimendi.

The report goes a step further by claiming that City are now prepared to pay the £50.3million fee in Zubimendi's release clause in the New Year. It remains to be seen, though, if Liverpool will return to the table to try and sign the midfielder after failing in their efforts in the summer.

Zubimendi has made 16 appearances