Liverpool have a strong interest in activating the £51.5million release clause of Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi - and the player now faces a big decision over whether to leave his boyhood club or not.

The 25-year-old put in a star performance in the European Championship final for winners Spain when Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or contender Rodri went off injured at half-time against England.

Liverpool are yet to make a first-team signing under head coach Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes - and both have insisted on going for quality over quantity. Slot last week insisted there is a ‘high bar’ for additions.

But the Reds have earmarked Zubimendi as a top target to strengthen a No 6 department that has been a clear area in need of improvement for some time. It comes after a lengthy due diligence and scouting process.

Sources in San Sebastian suggest the club, who finished 6th in La Liga last term, are resigned to losing Zubimendi. The ultimate decision may rest with the player. La Real are aware of the interest and, while they are reluctant to lose him, it is understood they will not block a transfer.

Martin Zubimendi impressed with his starring role in the European Championship final

Liverpool signed Wataru Endo for £16.2million last August after the club missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea following the unplanned exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

Endo had a satisfactory first season at Anfield but the Japan captain is now 31 and, after starting as a substitute in three of four pre-season friendlies, it is fair to presume Slot is not a huge fan. A defensive midfielder has been the priority this summer.

Zubimendi was born in the same region as Xabi Alonso and shares an agency with the Bayer Leverkusen manager. The agency has close relations with Hughes after they negotiated to bring Andoni Iraola to Bournemouth, the sporting director’s former club, last summer.

It is understood that Zubimendi has a €60m (£52m) release clause. But it is far from a done deal with the 25-year-old not agitating to leave the club. Arsenal had also shown an interest in Zubimendi as well as his club team-mate and fellow midfielder Mikel Merino.

Speaking in 2022, former Real Sociedad B boss Alonso said: ‘Martin’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his team-mates than himself. He has that ability to generate play.

‘To make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organize the axis. I loved working with him.’

The midfielder, who has 187 appearances for La Real, was described by one Spanish football expert as ‘the next (Sergio) Busquets or Rodri’. He perfectly fits the profile of a player Slot is very keen to sign up.

He is adept at ball-winning and defensive positioning but also adept in possession and can progress play with vertical passes. Like Rodri, he is said to be calm on the ball and can beat the defensive press with ease.

A deal would open the door for fellow midfielder Tyler Morton, 21, to leave the club. He is valued at £20m and has interest from RB Leipzig, Atalanta and English clubs, though the Reds could accept a lower offer.

Morton played in an Under 21s game on Tuesday which could signal he is not in the first-team plans, as did Owen Beck who is subject to mass interest for a loan. They could also raise money through the sales of Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg – both have many suitors.

Former Liverpool man Dominic Solanke has been linked with Tottenham and the Anfield club would be set for a significant windfall with a sell-on clause, while they could still let go Endo after turning down a £11.8m bid from Marseille last month.