Man City willing to splash out €60m to sign Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi in January after Rodri injury

Speculation has mounted that City will look to sign a defensive midfielder in January after talisman Rodri was ruled out for the season through injury. Now, according to Spanish Publication Relevo, Pep Guardiola's team 'want to take advantage' of Zubimendi's £50.3m ($65.8m/€60m) release clause and make a move for him in a few months - with the 25-year-old yet to sign a new contract with the Liga team.

Rodri is, arguably, City's best player. Without him they seem to lose their aura of invincibility. While Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis are potential cover options, signing a quality player in that area of the field may be a shrewd move - particularly with the number of games City have to play this season.

Liverpool tried and failed to sign Zubimendi earlier this summer, with the Spain international eventually opting to stay at Anoeta Stadium for another season. The midfielder - whose contract runs until 2027 - helped his country win Euro 2024, too.

Before the January transfer window opens in a few short months, City - who sit second in the Premier League behind Liverpool - return to English top-flight action on October 20 away to lowly Wolves.