Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been the story of the last 48 hours in the world of LFC and as The Reds continue their attempts to prise the highly sought-after Spaniard away from his beloved San Sebastian, it appears as though we could finally be approaching a conclusion.

With the 25-year-old finding it hard to part ways with the club that he has called home for many years, the proposal and prospect of a move to Anfield had seemingly been enough to turn his head where others had tried and failed before.

However, having played the final 27 minutes of La Real’s 1-1 draw with Union Berlin on Friday evening, doubts were starting to be raised as to whether Zubimendi would be arriving on Merseyside at all.

All You Need To Know About Liverpool Transfer Target MARTÍN ZUBIMENDI | The Deep Dive

Almost as quickly as those doubts set in, a report from Spain emerged suggesting that the move remained on track and it was Sociedad attempting to continue their attempts to persuade both Zubimendi and the Arsenal-bound Mikel Merino to stay with offers of new contracts.

We spoke to San Sebastian-based journalist Andoni Otxotorena to get the latest on the situation and what could happen next…

Andoni said: “Real has offered him to be the best-paid player in the team (4-4.5M€) and a large contract for many years.

“On Wednesday he was sure to go to Liverpool but now he is doubting. I think it is more likely that he will leave.

We asked whether it’s likely a decision will be made this weekend and Andoni said: “It is probable.”

Andoni also said the prospect of Stefan Bajcetic headed to the Basque club on loan in return “Wouldn’t make too much sense as he is too young.”

Redmen Reacts

Whilst it remains to be seen what happens next in what has quickly become one of the stories of the summer across the entirety of the transfer window, it appears as though we are certainly reaching a point of getting an answer as to whether it will be ZubimendIN or otherwise.

Clearly a supremely gifted operator who has been earmarked and identified as the chosen first signing of the Arne Slot and Richard Hughes era at Liverpool, the ‘press resistant’ Spain ace has all the qualities The Reds would appear to need in order to orchestrate matters from the base of the midfield having been schooled in typical Spanish fashion in The Cantera having emerged from the famous Zubieta academy.

As for Bajcetic and any temporary exit, as reported by DaveOCKOP earlier tonight, the classy defensive midfielder undoubtedly has a bright future at Anfield but having missed so much action in the last 18 months, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility to expect the teenage sensation to head out on loan in order to reboot his own personal development.