Liverpool and Manchester City to battle for £29 million rated midfielder - Reports

Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly set to race each other to acquire Samuele Ricci's signature in the January transfer window. The 23-year-old plays for Serie A club Torino and his contract there is valid until the summer of 2026.

Samuele Ricci is an alternative transfer target for the Premier League rivals, who are keen on signing Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, as per Sport Mediaset. However, if the 25-year-old LaLiga star's potential deal falls through, both English clubs have identified the Italian midfielder as their second option.

Martin Zubimendi has reportedly attracted the attention of several top clubs with his impressive performances for Real Sociedad. The midfielder has started in 20 out of the 21 matches he has appeared in for the Spanish club this season, registering one goal and two assists. His contract there is valid until the summer of 2027.

Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing a midfielder in the upcoming transfer window to strengthen their respective squads. With the possibility of Kevin De Bruyne departing from Eithad with his contract set to expire next summer, the club will be looking for a potential replacement.

Samuele Ricci, meanwhile, has started in 18 out of the 19 appearances he has made for Torino this season while providing one assist. While he ticks the boxes for Liverpool and Manchester City, Torino are reportedly interested in retaining the Empoli graduate. The Serie A side are looking to offer him a new extended contract. Club president, Roberto Cairo, has estimated the midfielder at £29 million, as per TBR Football.

However, a January departure for Samuele Ricci cannot be ruled out, leaving a chance for the English rivals in the transfer race.

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Real Sociedad sporting director on Martin Zubimendi's future amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City

Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe recently spoke about Martin Zubimendi's future at San Sebastian amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Reds attempted to bring Zubimendi to Anfield in the last transfer window. However, the Spaniard turned down the offer and decided to continue with Real Sociedad, as per TBR Football. The report also mentioned that despite the interest from prominent English clubs, the midfielder would prefer a move to Real Madrid.

Roberto Olabe mentioned that he believes Zubimendi, who has a reported £51 million release clause, will not part ways with the club in January. The Real Sociedad sporting director told Estadio Desportivo (via TBR Football):

"There is little peace regarding the clauses, but in all this time Martin himself has shown us that above the clauses are the wills. Until today we have already seen the behaviour that he has had, I do not foresee that we will have any scares in January."

While the Premier League giants continue to track the 2024 Euro winner's progress, it remains to be seen where Martin Zubimendi decides to end up next year.