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Leeds given Takumi Minamino transfer hope as agent flies in for talks – but four clubs also want Liverpool man

Takumi Minamino of Liverpool looks on. Liverpool Football Club victory parade in Liverpool on Sunday 29th May 2022

Takumi Minamino is almost certainly heading for the Liverpool exit door this summer with his agent now in Europe for talks with interested parties.

The Japan forward has failed to command a regular shirt at Anfield since arriving in a £7.25m deal from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020. However, he did himself no harm at all with several impressive cameos for the Reds in 2021/22. Indeed, he finished the season with 10 goals from just 24 appearances and nine starts.

However, his time on Merseyside appears to be coming to a close amid reports Liverpool are ready to cash in. They are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Minamino and his teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

And amid claims Liverpool are willing to sell for around £15m, it is Leeds United who reportedly lead the chase.

Indeed, Minamino is well known to Whites boss Jesse Marsch, having worked with him at Salzburg.

The Yorkshire club also pursued a deal for Minamino in January, though Liverpool did not entertain Leeds’ proposals at the time.

It looks a different story though now with Jurgen Klopp prepared to cash in on the 27-year-old.

Now, as per This is Anfield, those transfer talks are stepping up a notch with his agent arriving for negotiations.

They claim Yusuke Akiyama is meeting representatives of up to five clubs as he bids to find a route out of Anfield for his client.

Four Prem sides and one Ligue 1 club tracking Japan star

As well as Leeds United, Premier League rivals Wolves and Southampton are also keen.

Saints, perhaps, may hold the upper hand given they took Minamino on loan during the 2020/21 season. He scored two goals in 10 appearances for the south coast club and is well liked by their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

However, they are not alone with Fulham also exploring the possibility of a deal. Marco Silva’s side recently sold teenager Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool. As such, they have a vacancy in their attack and will perhaps hope they can land Minamino in return.

The four Premier League suitors will also reportedly have to bat off competition from Monaco. The Ligue 1 side are reportedly nearing a significant cash windfall with Real Madrid closing on the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni.

The France midfield, who was of interest to Liverpool, has reportedly agreed a deal worth close to £85m.

New price for Takumi Minamino emerges

The report adds that Liverpool are hoping to collect a £17m fee for Minamino’s services.

That is slightly higher than the previous £15m fee that was reported.

And given the competition for his signature, it’s likely Liverpool FC will be able to achieve their target.

That will go straight into Klopp’s transfer budget as he looks to finance a club-record deal for Darwin Nunez.

Leeds pushing to sign Minamino from Liverpool this summer

Leeds pushing to sign Minamino from Liverpool this summer

Leeds United are pushing to sign Minamino from Liverpool to replace out going Raphinha

Indeed, the Reds’ forward line may look very different next season with Sadio Mane seemingly nearing a departure.

He is reportedly on Bayern Munich’s radar, though Liverpool are not planning to let him leave on the cheap.

Another option for Liverpool in Raphinha appears to be off the menu, however. The Brazilian has reportedly set his heart on a move to Barcelona, though his hopes are seemingly fading amid news that Xavi is in talks with a former Manchester United winger.