Southampton make last ditch bid to snatch Liverpool attacker

Liverpool subs

Southampton have made a late deadline day enquiry for Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino, according to a BBC journalist.

The forward has had little in the way of playing time so far this season.

He has featured in nine Premier League games so far, scoring once in the 7-0 demolition of Crystal Palace in December.

In fact, the Japan international has only started 12 games since his arrival a little over 12 months ago.

Now, BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty has stated that Southampton have asked about a possible loan deal for Minamino.

He claimed that talks are in “early stages” and there is no indication whether Liverpool are prepared to let him go.

 

Klopp: Minamino exactly what we wanted

Klopp: Minamino exactly what we wanted

Jurgen Klopp says Takumi Minamino showed he is 'exactly the player' Liverpool wanted after the midfielder made his debut in Sunday's FA Cup win over Everton.

 

However, the Saints remain optimistic about a last-hour coup.

Sky Sports’ Becky Williams added: “An agreement in principle has been reached, he’s undergoing his medical this evening.

“The negotiations only started this morning, so this is a rather last-minute deal from Southampton, but we know that they are really keen to bring in a player on loan.

“They’ve had a number of injuries in recent weeks, and Ralph Hasenhuttl has been hinting that he hopes there will be some business done before the deadline.”

Minamino, 26, has failed to force his way into being a regular at Liverpool.

Liverpool legend John Aldridge said that is “strange” that he hasn’t been handed more playing time.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: “I think it’s strange he hasn’t looked at Minamino with Firmino below his best.

“I thought he might have got 25 minutes at least against [Manchester] United but for some reason he’s not getting the time, I don’t know why, only Jurgen knows.”


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Move for Maitland-Niles gone cold

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Ercan Kara

McNulty also states that Southampton’s bid to sign Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has “failed.”

The Gunners midfielder has been strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates.

Among the front runners for the youngster’s signature are West Brom.

The Baggies have already brought in midfielder Okay Yokuşlu from Celta Vigo.

However, it seems as though Sam Allardyce is not quite yet finished.

Speaking prior to the signing of Yokuşlu, he said: “We have until 11pm, I think we will try between now and 11pm to try to find two more players who are available.

“It’s not just the player, it’s also what finances are left. Time is running out but we have spent quite a considerable amount of our budget that was available.”

West Brom have a little over an hour to get any deal for Maitland-Niles over the line.