Liverpool waiting on Martin Zubimendi's answer amid transfer U-turn fears

Liverpool are still waiting for Martin Zubimendi to make a decision on his future, with the Reds hoping to make him the first signing of the Arne Slot era.

Slot will take charge of his first competitive fixture as Liverpool boss when they take on Ipswich on Saturday, with the Dutchman replacing former manager Jurgen Klopp after almost nine years at the helm.

However, Liverpool are heading into the new season as the only Premier League team not to have bolstered their squad in the transfer market. Slot has previously stated the club will only try and sign a player if they meet the "really high bar" required to succeed at Liverpool.

Zubimendi is their top target, but the Times are reporting that the midfielder has yet to make his mind up over the potential move to Anfield. The 25-year-old is said to be 'mulling over' whether to leave boyhood club Real Sociedad, having first joined their academy at the age of 12.

The report states that Liverpool are 'hoping' he will decide to move to the Premier League, with the Reds poised to trigger the £51million release clause in his contract. Liverpool were 'led to believe' Zubimendi was willing to leave Sociedad, but the player has not made a final decision yet.

When asked about the prospect of new signings after friendlies against Sevilla and Las Palmas on Sunday, Slot admitted: "I'm positive. I'm confident. I think that we should make some signings based on how long the season will go.

"I think they're working behind the scenes. I'm fully convinced and trust in the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in. I have to trust and we'll see what happens."

Liverpool are waiting for Zubimendi to make a decision about his future 

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, has urged the club to bring in some new players. Speaking ahead of their season opener against Ipswich, Van Dijk said: "I am positive. I am confident.

"Obviously, I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go but I think they are working behind the scenes and I am fully convinced, and trust the club, that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in."