Manchester City move ahead of Liverpool and Real Madrid in race to sign 25-year-old La Liga star: Reports

According to ESPN, Manchester City have moved ahead of Liverpool and Real Madrid in the race to sign Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Cityzens need urgent reinforcement at the base of midfield after losing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to a potentially season-ending injury in September.

City have struggled to replicate their highs of last season. They are sixth in the Premier League table, 14 points off leaders Liverpool - who have a game in hand. The Cityzens have lost nine of their last 14 matches across competitions.

The absence of Rodri has been massively felt, so the reigning Premier League champions are now looking to sign a replacement for the Spaniard in the January transfer window.

Liverpool were the first to show interest in Zubimendi early in the summer, as they consider him a replacement for Fabinho. However, they had their proposal turned down by the midfielder, who opted to stay put at Sociedad. As the season progressed, Real Madrid and Manchester City also showed interest in the Sociedad man.

In October, it was reported that Liverpool turned their attention to another player after their deal for Zubimendi didn't materialise. A few days ago, it was also reported that Real Madrid no longer considers the Spanish midfielder a priority target.

As per the abovementioned source, Liverpool are still interested in Zubimendi and have funds to splurge for the player. However, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are keen to reinforce their squad in January and have now emerged as the frontrunners if Sociedad are ready to do a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder.

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Pep Guardiola mentions two positions Manchester City need to strengthen in January

Manchester City returned to winning ways as they beat Leicester City 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, December 29. Before that, they were winless in five matches across competitions.

Guardiola wants City to sign a holding centre-back in the January transfer window, telling Sky Sports (via Metro);

''Kevin (De Bruyne) is back, but we need more in the middle and the back four. We have struggled with full-backs and central defenders,’ the Spaniard told Sky Sports on Sunday. In some positions we need help. The squad is good, the problem is we don’t have the squad, and that makes everything difficult.

''When we’re all together. We’re the team we were, but with important players out for weeks and months, it’s so difficult. I thought central defenders would be fit all season, but we have struggled – holding midfield and central defenders we need help. The market is the market it’s not easy, it’s expensive, so we will see what the club can do.’

Manchester City return to action on Saturday (January 4) with a Premier League clash at home to West Ham United.