First Martin Zubimendi, now Samuele Ricci: Liverpool to do battle with Man City over transfer for Torino midfielder

According toLa Stampa, both City and Liverpool are interested in signing Ricci in January. The pair had each been linked with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi but he was recently ruled out with a back injury, perhaps encouraging each club to source potential alternatives.

City need a replacement for the injured Rodri, while there is also said to be interest from both AC Milan and Inter. Liverpool are now said to have joined the chase, with Torino demanding more than €30 million (£25m/$31.5m), although that fee is unlikely to put off Arne Slot's side.

Ricci can play as a six or as an eight in midfield, and has clocked 95 appearances for Torino since arriving from Empoli in 2022. He has also won six caps for Italy, and he recently played 90 minutes in their 3-1 Nations League win over France.

Ricci has a contract until 2026 and with so many clubs sniffing around, it feels very likely that he will be moving on swiftly. It remains to be seen if he ends up at Anfield or the Etihad, however, given that there is also interest in Italy.