Liverpool target refuses to train with current club as he eyes exit - Reports

Liverpool target and Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has reportedly refused to train with his club as he eyes an exit this summer. The Reds are said to be looking at a deal for the Netherlands international amid interest from Serie A giants Juventus.

Journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that the 26-year-old is now pushing for a move away from Atalanta (via The Boot Room). However, it is claimed that Koopmeiners' most likely destination is Juventus and not Anfield.

While the Reds have been linked with the Dutchman, it seems like the need for a No. 6 is imminent. Wataru Endo is the only natural option in that position at the moment. But to the delight of Liverpool fans, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is said to be close to signing for the Merseyside club.

Koopmeiners, meanwhile, largely operates as a No. 10, a position that Jurgen Klopp did not often utilize in his system. The former Liverpool boss usually deployed two No. 8s, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai often playing those roles.

However, with Arne Slot taking charge of the club this summer, it will be interesting to see whether there are tweaks in the new head coach's system. Should Koopmeiners sign for the Reds, he wouldn't have much competition for the attacking midfield role. Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are also box-to-box midfielders.

To date, the Dutch star has played 129 matches across competitions for Atalanta, bagging 29 goals and 15 assists. A move to Juventus will earn him the chance to compete for the Serie A title next season.

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Martin Zubimendi to decide his future amid interest from Liverpool - Reports

Martin Zubimendi

A recent report from The Athletic seemingly hints at the fact that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is in control of his future. The Spanish outfit are expecting the 25-year-old to join the Reds this summer.

However, this report states that the deal is a bit more complicated because of the player's €60 million release clause, which the Mereseysiders will have to meet in full. This is, of course, only applicable if the two clubs fail to negotiate a lower price, with three years left on Zubimendi's current contract.

To date, the La Liga star has made 188 appearances across competitions for Real Sociedad, bagging eight goals and seven assists. He is likely to be a starter in the No. 6 position at Liverpool, with only an aging Wataru Endo to act as competition.