Man City considering hijacking possible Liverpool deal as Crystal Palace man also on Rodri replacement shortlist

Liverpool have been wanting to sign Martin Zubimendi for several months but, after missing out in the summer, could come up short again in January.

Arne Slot identified a new number six after he replaced Jurgen Klopp and pinpointed Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi as his ideal target.

Despite Liverpool reaching an agreement in the summer with the Spanish club, the Premier League giants failed to convince the player to make the move.

Man City join Liverpool in hunt for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi

And even though Liverpool are expected to try again for the 25-year-old in the mid-season window, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, they could face some strong competition from Manchester City.

Rodri’s recent injury, which is set to keep him out for the majority of the season, is set to force the Cityzens into the January market in search of an emergency replacement.

Zubimendi is one of the names on Pep Guardiola’s list. How the boyhood Sociedad fan would feel about joining City remains unknown though. Clearly not in a rush to play in the Premier League, the Spain international could refuse a transfer for the second time in as many windows.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also on list

And should that be the case, City are likely to target Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as an alternative replacement option.

Included in England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany, the 20-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough.

However, with just under five years left on his contract, Palace are under no threat of losing the midfielder anytime soon.

As fans saw with Newcastle’s failed pursuit of Marc Guehi recently, the Eagles drive a hard bargain, so if City end up deciding on Wharton, they’ll be expected to pay a huge sum, especially considering the world now knows how desperate they are to replace Rodri.