Exciting update given about Liverpool’s chances of signing a new defensive midfielder

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Liverpool are currently facing the prospect of going a full summer transfer window without making a single new signing.

The Reds had looked in strong position in terms of squad depth heading into the off-season and that remains the case.

However, there are also one or two obvious areas of the Liverpool squad which could do with a little bit of an upgrade.

With Arne Slot having decided to put Wataru Endo up for sale, the most obvious of these positions has been in defensive midfield.

Liverpool clearly thought so too and tried to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. But with that deal now dead in the water, they badly need to quickly identify another target.

Liverpool set for defensive midfield signing

Liverpool’s need to sign a defensive midfielder is not a problem that has had to be solved only this year.

The Reds also knew they had an issue 12 months ago, hence a magnificent attempt to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton. Caicedo only wanted Chelsea, though, and that move failed too.

Zubimendi deciding to stay put at Real Sociedad was an obvious blow to Liverpool, but it felt a given that they would then move on to other targes.

However, in the days since the transfer collapsed, it has become clear that Liverpool have no alternative to Zubimendi. It was the Spaniard or no one.

READ MORE: Gary Neville has theory over why Martin Zubimendi rejected Liverpool

But, thankfully, journalist Jason Burt has now refuted those claims. Appearing on Sky Sports News on Wednesday, The Telegraph’s senior reporter said he actually does think that Liverpool will re-enter the market to solve this issue.

“I think things are fairly calm there,” says Burt. “I think they will buy a defensive midfielder, I think they have to.

“It’s a huge blow for Zubimendi not to come but I don’t think there’s any sense of panic around the place.

“I don’t think they needed to do an awful lot in the window but I think they will definitely try and bring in somebody because that’s one area of the pitch they need to improve.”

Who could Liverpool target?

It has very much been the party line for now that Liverpool are highly unlikely to look for another holding midfield signing.

However, this could simply be a way of the Reds trying not to overplay their hand in the press. Keep everyone looking one way while they sneak in and poach a top sitting midfielder.

While that may be wishful thinking, there are certainly still some options out there for Slot to try.

Liverpool like Adam Wharton, for example, and if they are feeling especially ambitious could try and make a move to sign the 20-year-old.

A more realistic target is perhaps Alan Varela from Porto. Liverpool have been urged to sign Varela recently and the Argentine would seem get-able and a good match. Let’s wait and see.