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The January transfer window gives Liverpool another chance to plug a couple of holes within their first-team squad.

It has been a very positive start to the campaign for Arne Slot, who has been getting the most out of the players currently at his disposal.

However, after Liverpool chose to remain mostly quiet over the summer window, they do still look fairly light in a couple of areas.

The main point of improvement within the Liverpool squad can still surely come with adding depth to Slot’s midfield options.

The Reds missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi over the summer and although Ryan Gravenberch has stepped up brilliantly, there still feels to be a need to add one more to the group.

With Zubimendi still rumoured as a possible target, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has moved to clarify the Real Sociedad man’s position in regards to a winter move.

Martin Zubimendi going nowhere in January

Liverpool’s decision not to pursue an alternative to Zubimendi over the summer was seen as a mistake by plenty in the fanbase.

However, it has so far proven to be something of a masterstroke. Gravenberch would have been rotting on the bench had Zubimendi been signed.

Despite that, it’s clear that Slot does not fully trust Wataru Endo still and with Endo reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League ahead of the New Year, it would be wise to assess options once again.

Zubimendi spoke out about recent links to Man City earlier this week and after his comments, Romano took to his YouTube channel to shed further light on whether a January move could happen for the Spaniard.

READ MORE: Liverpool insiders think they know a new reason why Martin Zubimendi turned them down

“Martin Zubimendi wanted to clarify about his future what’s going on because we had links with Manchester City to replace Rodri, we know in the summer he said no to Liverpool,” explained the reporter.

“He confirmed today that he’s not planning to leave Real Sociedad. So, the intention of the player is not to leave in January and at the moment I’m not aware of direct contact with Manchester City. The situation is quiet.

“Next summer we’ll see for sure it could be an interesting one,” Romano adds.

“But at the moment, no contacts with Man City, no negotiations and the player keeps repeating in public how happy he is at Real Sociedad and that he’s not planning a change in the January transfer window. So, this remains the intention.”

Who could Liverpool target instead?

It’s clear by now that Liverpool and Zubimendi’s story is over. The Euro 2024 winner will not be coming to Anfield.

While that is a shame, it does open the door to Liverpool targeting someone else instead.

Quite who that could be is a bit of a mystery. We suspect that the Reds are waiting to see if Gravenberch can continue his good form before deciding themselves.

In the meantime, most of the transfer links for Liverpool are coming with regards to forward additions.

Omar Marmoush has been heavily linked and for the time being it seems that the Reds are not actively pushing for that elusive Zubimendi alternative. This could reignite in January of course, but for now the lay of the land is abundantly clear.

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