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Paul Joyce clarifies Liverpool’s Zubimendi deadline as Real Sociedad issue cruel

Real Sociedad have pulled out the big guns in their bid to keep Martin Zubimendi at the club.

Amidst a personal ploy that has involved reminding the Spaniard of the natural beauty of the region and the food on offer in San Sebastian, the Spanish outfit has now resorted to more forceful tactics.

Paul Joyce at The Times reports that the Reds’ own alleged deadline set this coming Wednesday is perhaps wide of the mark.

“There have been suggestions that Liverpool have given Zubimendi until Wednesday to make a final decision on his future,” the Times’ Northern football correspondent wrote.

“While it is understood that there has been no ultimatum of that nature issued from the Anfield hierarchy, there is an acceptance from the player’s side as well as at Liverpool that the present situation cannot carry on indefinitely.”

Sociedad, meanwhile, have told the 25-year-old that he must trigger his own £51.7m release clause if he wishes to move to Anfield this summer.