Gary Neville has theory why Martin Zubimendi snubbed Liverpool that nobody else has suggested

Gary Neville has offered his own theory why Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool this summer.

Zubimendi, 25, had looked likely to join Liverpool after the Merseyside club made the Spaniard their No 1 transfer target.

The Reds had considered triggering a £51m release clause in Zubimendi's contract with his boyhood club Real Sociedad.

And a move looked to be imminent when reports claimed the midfielder had verbally agreed to join the Premier League club.

But talks have since collapsed, with fresh reports claiming Zubimendi has changed his mind over a move to England and is now in discussions over a new contract with Sociedad instead.

It follows claims the Spanish club had informed him he would have to pay his own release clause if he wanted to secure a move to Anfield.

Liverpool are yet to make a senior signing this summer and The Daily Mail's Lewis Steele claims the club have no plans to look for another No 6 in the current window, despite missing out on Zubimendi.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has offered his opinion on why the move for Zubimendi failed and he believes there could more to it than the player simply changing his mind.

Speaking on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, Neville said: "For this to have happened to Liverpool, he has said yes to them and he has then changed his mind late.

"There's no way, we have been there at different levels, he's definitely said yes to them and then changed his mind."

Neville went on to suggest that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona could be behind Zubimendi's decision to snub Liverpool.

Martin Zubimendi was strongly linked with Liverpool (Image: Getty)

"I never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid either being involved with something and saying we're going to come, we're not ready yet but we'll take you," Neville added.

"That's always over there and if they come you're dead."

While Liverpool have turned their attention away from Zubimendi, they could be on the verge of making another signing.

The Reds are moving closer to bringing Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to Anfield, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming the "deal is on".

Meanwhile, Nacho Sanchis of Relevo says Liverpool have offered €30m (£25.7m) for Mamardashvili and are awaiting a response from Valencia.

Liverpool fans will be hoping for further signings in addition to Mamardashvili, with the start of the new Premier League season and their opening game against Ipswich on Saturday fast approaching.