Liverpool deal takes leap forward as Salzburg confirm Minamino talks

Takumi Minamino TEAMtalk

Red Bull Salzburg have confirmed they are in talks with Liverpool regarding a transfer for Takumi Minamino and the Reds are understood to be confident of a January deal.

The Times broke the news on Thursday morning that Jurgen Klopp had “accelerated” his interest in the 24-year-old attacker.

The Japan international impressed in two matches against Klopp’s side in the Champions League, most recently in Tuesday’s encounter which the Reds won 2-0 in Austria to relegate the hosts to the Europa League.

Minamino is understood to have a release clause of just £7.25million and widespread reports now claim Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit after learning of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and a number of Bundesliga and Serie A clubs.

 

PA sources believe it would be an “outstanding” deal as Minamino’s current market value is at least three times the value of his buy-out clause.

It is understood sporting director Michael Edwards, who has masterminded a number of brilliant transfers to assemble a squad which won the Champions League in June and are currently eight points top of the Premier League, discovered the existence of the release clause and activated it in order to steal a march on United.

 

 

“I can confirm that there are currently discussions with Liverpool. It is an honour to see which clubs are interested in our players,” sporting director Christoph Freund told Salzburg’s Twitter account.

Klopp suggested last week he was “always ready” to make signings should the right player become available.

“It’s always the same, we don’t speak about it, we’re pretty much always ready,” he said.

Minamino has scored nine times across 22 appearances this season.

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