Liverpool scouts blown away by midfield alternative for priority target

Liverpool scouting team have reportedly find a match who can replace priority target Martin Zubimendi

The Reds scouting team have reportedly been impressed with a new midfield candidate as a possible replacement for Martin Zubimendi when the January transfer window opens.

Liverpool tried to pry Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad last summer but were rejected and the player decided to stay. Zubimendi recently spoke about his decision and said: "It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.

"I don't believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you're good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There's no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take."

He further added: "It wasn't that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying."

Liverpool's midfield is crucial to their excellent performance at the moment, with Ryan Gravenberch performing well, Alexis McAllister and Curtis Jones also performing well. Dominik Szoboszlai played a major role in Sunday's 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur, which put Liverpool firmly at the top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day with four points and a game in hand.

The Anfield Watch reports that Liverpool are still on the lookout for potential reinforcements, with Zubimendy remaining a target. However, he is not the only midfielder the club is keeping an eye on, with Porto's Nico Gonzalez also catching their eye this season.

The 22-year-old Spanish international, a product of Barcelona's academy, joined Porto for £7m last summer and has a release clause of up to £830m (€1bn) in his contract at Camp Nou. Barcelona have a buyout clause for the Under-21 international, who is under contract until June 2025 for just £24m.

Gonzalez has scored five goals and provided five assists in 24 appearances for Porto, with Liverpool scouts reportedly impressed by his performances. Gonzalez offers more full-back options than Zubimendy, and has a £49.8m (€60m) release clause in his Porto contract, making him similarly priced to Zubimendy despite being three years younger.