Manchester City handed huge blow in pursuit of Liverpool transfer target seen as replacement for injured Rodri: Reports

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi wants to stay with the LaLiga club amid reported interest from Manchester City and Liverpool. He has recently been linked with a move to City following Rodri's season-ending injury.

Zubimendi addressed the rumors, saying they were part and parcel of the game. He, however, has no plans to change clubs any time soon and wants to continue playing for the LaLiga side. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"There are always rumours but so far I've always thought that the best solution for me is staying at Real Sociedad. I've still a lot of things to give to this club, I still wanna grow and develop here."

Earlier this month, Zubimendi stated that he had no regrets about rejecting a move to Liverpool. He was looking forward to having a good season with Real Sociedad. He said (via GOAL):

"Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within. I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season."

Liverpool were reportedly willing to activate his release clause in the summer, but the midfielder opted to stay with Real Sociedad.

Martin Zubimendi sent Liverpool warning by Ian Wright amid Manchester City rumors

Manchester City are reportedly looking to sign Rodri's replacement and see Martin Zubimendi as the ideal pick. Ian Wright believes the midfielder will face a lot of heat from Liverpool fans if he opts to join the Cityzens after rejecting the Reds.

He said on Wrighty’s House:

"If you feel that something's not quite right in the air for City at the moment because Rodri's gone, God forbid anything happens to [Erling] Haaland in their respect. But you could see why they probably have to go for someone like [Martin] Zubimendi in January."

"If he does go to City, then he knows that for the rest of his life, Liverpool fans will dislike him a little bit. It's the kind of fan base you don't want to turn down and let them know about it. But if Zubimendi goes there, then you think to yourself, okay, they've recognised, but that link alone for me says that City know, we need to do something," he added.

Rodri is out for the season following an ACL injury. Manchester City and the Reds are looking to sign a midfielder, and Martin Zubimendi reportedly remains on their radar.