Liverpool is reportedly considering Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci as a possible alternative to Martin Zubimendi.

The Reds earmarked Zubimendi for the holding midfield role in Arne Slot's team during last summer's transfer window, but the Spanish midfielder ended up U-turning on a possible move to Anfield in favor of remaining at Real Sociedad.

Liverpool remains an admirer of Zubimendi and could yet revisit its interest in the midfielder in a future transfer window, but a report by Tutto Mercato says Italy international Ricci has been identified as a possible alternative to the European Championship winner.

Ricci, who is contracted to Torino until 2026, would reportedly cost Liverpool around $32 million — significantly lower than the club was willing to pay for Zubimendi earlier this year.

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Liverpool's reported interest in Ricci could be complicated by Manchester City, which is also said to be interested in Ricci and could make a move in January in a bid to arrest the team's slump in form.

City's need for a new holding midfielder is perhaps more urgent than Liverpool's, given Rodri remains sidelined for City — probably until next season — and Ryan Gravenberch is thriving in the same role for Slot's side.

However, were the Reds to end up signing Ricci, his addition may end up eliminating a problem that could arise if the club were to sign Zubimendi.

Zubimendi, as a more established, senior player, would no doubt expect to arrive at Anfield as a guaranteed first-teamer, and the Reds might not be able to offer him that role anymore given how good Gravenberch has been under Slot.

Ricci would probably be more likely to settle for a back-up position, with an eye to establishing himself in the first team in the years ahead.