Liverpool are on the horizon of their first Premier League season under a new manager in a decade, but Arne Slot is yet to see any new recruits added to his squad.
The Dutchman replaced Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer and has set to work to leave his identity on the team. The former Feyenoord boss has endured a difficult time with two international tournaments preventing him from training with his full squad.
It appears the Reds are finally ready to make their move however, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad top of the agenda. Not a move that will not necessarily come easy however.
With that said, Mirror Fotball takes a look at the latest transfer news around Anfield.
Relationship could be key in Zubimendi move
Real Sociedad retain hope of keeping Zubimendi in the north of Spain for 2024/25 and have named him in their squad for their friendly against Union Berlin. The 25-year-old is even said to have turned down the likes of Barcelona in the past.
Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have identified Zubimendi as a top target to bolster their midfield. The Reds had hoped that the player would push for the move to help their position should they not trigger his £51million release clause.
There is hope Zubimendi could be convinced by the lure of Champions League football but Hughes could offer Liverpool a key asset. The director has already worked with the midfielder's agent.
Inaki Ibanez also represents Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola. Hughes helped bring Iraola to Bournemouth last year in negotiation with Ibanez.
Liverpool open talks with Zubimendi alternative
The Reds do have alternative options in mind, should Zubimendi prove unwilling to join. Reports claim that Liverpool have already opened talks with free agent Adrien Rabiot.
The Frenchman has been without a club since departing Juventus earlier this summer at the end of his contract. The former PSG ace appears to be an alternative only, if Zubimendi cannot be prised from Sociedad.
Four players dropped from Liverpool squad
Liverpool boss Slot has dropped four youngsters from his first-team squad ahead of the club's Premier League opener against Ipswich Town. Ben Doak, Tyler Morton, Lewis Koumas and Harvey Blair are to make way and are expect to exit Anfield before the end of the month, per the Independent.
Doak is said to have drawn interest from Southampton and Leicester for a season-long loan while, Morton, Koumas and Blair all scored for Liverpool's under-21s on Wednesday.
Morton could be made available for a permanent deal after making 39 appearances on loan at Hull City last term. There is said to be interest from Ipswich, Bournemouth and Southampton, with the 21-year-old appearing unlikely to break into the Reds' midfield.