Manchester United may well be ‘tracking’ Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but he’s arguably not ‘what they’re looking for’ right now, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Red Devils have been credited with an interest in the talented 23-year-old as manager Erik ten Hag looks to continue his ongoing revolution at Old Trafford.

Manchester United transfer news – Martin Zubimendi

TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey has claimed that Ten Hag has ‘concrete interest’ in Zubimendi following an outstanding start to the season for Sociedad.  

It’s believed the one-cap Spain international has a £56 million release clause written into his contract but that United would attempt to negotiate that figure down if they did make a formal offer.

However, doing so may prove difficult for the 20-time English champions as Zubimendi’s current contract is not set to expire until the summer of 2027.

Bailey also stated that Sociedad will not entertain the prospect of letting anyone go in the winter window, meaning Ten Hag may have to remain patient if he wants to secure Zubimendi’s services.

What has Jones said about Zubimendi?

Signing a striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and a right-back to provide competition for Diogo Dalot are believes to be at the top of Ten Hag’s wish list, and Jones doubts whether Zubimendi will come into their thinking this January.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think they might well be tracking him, but I don't think that this is what they're looking for in the winter window.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

“I think that they've got a reasonable amount of options in there at the moment. I think Ten Hag’s just figuring out his best combinations in there.”

Would Zubimendi be a good signing?

Zubimendi is a defensive-minded midfielder who has racked up just eight goal contributions in 114 appearances for Sociedad, but his overall contribution has seen him labelled “outstanding” by Bailey.

As per WhoScored, the 5 foot 11 ace has won 2.4 aerial duels while averaging 0.9 interceptions and 0.6 blocks, placing him in the top three amongst his teammates for all metrics.

Alongside the more creative Christian Eriksen and more destructive Casemiro, Zubimendi could provide the perfect balance to United’s midfield should he make the switch.

It seems as though Ten Hag may have to wait until the summer to make a move for Zubimendi, though, as he prioritises other positions.