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Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has decided to stay with the Spanish club rather than join Liverpool.

The 25-year-old, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, was targeted by the Reds after they were told unequivocally he wanted to leave this summer.

Liverpool pursued a move as they believed Zubimendi, who came on for Rodri at half-time in the number six position for Spain in their Euro 2024 final win against England, would have bolstered the midfield options at manager Arne Slot's disposal.

However, it's understood Real Sociedad tried to persuade the player to change his mind and, ultimately, succeeded.

Liverpool are yet to make a major signing this summer and open their Premier League campaign at Ipswich on Saturday.

It appears unlikely, though, at this stage that the Anfield outfit will try to sign an alternative to Zubimendi, who fitted the club's preferred profile for the number six role in Slot's team.

Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Dominic Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wataru Endo are other options for the position.