Liverpool identify Premier League midfielder as Martin Zubimendi alternative

Liverpool’s failure to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has reportedly forced them to look for midfield alternatives.

The Reds were keen to sign Zubimendi, 25, but the playmaker’s decision to stay with his boyhood club saw Arne Slot miss out on his preferred target.

However, while an agreement with Valencia for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is close to being finalised (Fabrizio Romano), Slot’s side have yet to make a midfield signing.

Liverpool identify next midfield target

And with just eight days left in the window, the Premier League giants are running out of time to bring in a new number six before the transfer deadline.

All hope is not lost though…

According to a recent report from Fichajes, the Reds have settled on an alternative target, but a deal could be equally, if not, harder, to complete, than Zubimendi’s.

The Spanish outlet believes Slot wants to bring Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes to Anfield in a deal that could top £100 million.

Not wanting to lose their talisman before the end of the window, Newcastle will demand a huge package, and with four years still left on the Brazilian’s contract, are under no threat of losing him anytime soon.

Nevertheless, with the 26-year-old’s stock rising considerably since he joined from Lyon two-and-a-half years ago, Geordie fans will expect interest in their number 39 to increase with each transfer window.

Since arriving at St. James’ Park, Guimaraes, who also has 26 caps for Brazil to his name, has scored 17 goals and registered 16 assists in 108 games in all competitions.