Martin Zubimendi’s release clause is set at £61 million by Liverpool, and Slot has spoken with the midfield player.

In an attempt to expand their midfield options this summer, Liverpool is stepping up their efforts to capture Real Sociedad player Martin Zubimendi.

The Reds have told Sociedad that they are prepared to pay “every penny” of Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause in order to entice him to Anfield, according to Mundo Deportivo (Page 14).

The player’s current salary at the Reale Arena would triple if Liverpool were to accept their contract offer; however, they have not yet received approval to complete the transaction.

The midfield player and new Anfield manager Arne Slot had a conversation in which Slot outlines the project and the philosophy he hopes to develop. The player, however, has the last say on the matter.

To persuade Zubimendi to stay at the Reale Arena for at least one more season, Sociedad is using every tactic at their disposal.

The Reds were on the market for a new defensive midfielder last summer but opted to sign Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

In Endo’s absence, Alexis Mac Allister was often deployed as the holding midfielder, but Slot is keen to strengthen his options, and Zubimendi is seen as the ideal candidate.

Sociedad have proposed a significant pay rise to Zubimendi with the hopes of convincing the Spanish maestro to turn down Liverpool’s approach.

The new deal on the table could reportedly shatter their current wage structure, but they’re willing to take the risk to keep their star midfielder.

Whether it will be enough remains to be seen, but Sociedad are desperate to keep him, especially with Mikel Merino also attracting concrete interest from Arsenal.

Zubimendi featured 45 times in all competitions for Sociedad last season, notching four goals and an assist. He was part of Spain’s squad that won the European Championship title in Germany last month.