Liverpool duo and Jurgen Klopp's feelings already clear on 'Martin Zubimendi alternative'

Liverpool academy prospect Trey Nyoni could be the midfield solution Arne Slot needs – and Jurgen Klopp is known to be a fan of the teenager. The new Reds boss thought he was on course to finally sign his first player since taking over from the German, but Martin Zubimendi decided to snub Liverpool and remain at Real Sociedad.

A deep-lying midfielder has been at the top of Slot’s transfer list all summer long, but the Reds boss has reportedly decided to end his search. Instead, he will have to rely on the current midfield options at his disposal.

After a promising pre-season, one of those could be 17-year-old Nyoni. Considering the teenager has already been given the seal of approval from Klopp and his Liverpool team-mates, this could be the season for him to make his Premier League breakthrough.

Nyoni made his senior debut last season when Klopp brought him on from the bench during the Reds’ 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round triumph over Southampton. After the match, the German said: “We should not forget that Trey (Nyoni) came on as well what a player he is! Oh my God!”

The England U18s international also made some appearances during the Reds’ tour of the USA. He came off the bench in a friendly clash with Real Betis and instantly made himself known and also scored in a 4-1 friendly victory over Sevilla at Anfield.

Harvey Elliott, who also broke onto the scene while he was a teen, recently said: “Trey has got everything in him. He showed it the other night. He is fearless at such a young age.

“He just needs to keep going and trust the process. I’ve spoken to him and the seniors who have been around it a lot longer than I have, they have spoken to him as well.”

Dominik Szoboszlai also admitted the teenager has impressed him this summer. He added: “I like him a lot, he is a really offensive player. I just said on the bench to [Jarell] Quansah, you can’t even foul him because of his movements and stuff like this.”

The Times recently reported that Liverpool have abandoned their pursuit of a new deep-lying central midfielder. It’s suggested that Slot was keen on Zubimendi as he specifically met his requirements, but that Nyoni is considered as an alternative for the role when needed.

It seems the Dutchman plans to utilise two deep-lying midfielders, with Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Szoboszlai and even Trent Alexander-Arnold identified as potential partners for Alexis Mac Allister, reports the Mirror. Nyoni could also be called upon, but his young age will likely mean he’ll have to be content with a place in and around the squad for the time being.

Liverpool begin their season with a challenging 12.30pm kick-off away to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. Slot will then oversee his first Premier League match at Anfield when Brentford visit on Sunday, August 25.