Two new sides have entered the race to sign Takumi Minamino as Liverpool hold out for a £17m fee...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Takumi Minamino continues to be the subject of significant interest ahead of a potential Liverpool exit this summer, after two new clubs registered their interest in the Japan international’s services.
The ECHO understands that both Lyon and Atalanta are also interested in signing the forward, with the Reds demanding fee of around £17m.
However, Monaco remain the frontrunners for his signature, after selling Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid, with the 27-year-old’s agent Yusuke Akiyama currently holding talks with suitors in Europe.
Leeds United are also among the sides considering a move, with their manager Jesse Marsch a huge admirer of Minamino having worked with him at Red Bull Salzburg.
Southampton, where the forward spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan, are also interested, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are keeping tabs on developments as they seek to bolster their forward options.
Liverpool signed Minamino from Salzburg in a £7.25m back in January 2020, with the Reds now looking to double their money on the Japan international as sides continue to lodge interest.
The 27-year-old scored 10 goals for Jurgen Klopp ’s side last season as he shone in domestic cup competition to help Liverpool win both the FA Cup and League Cup.
But he has found starting opportunities limited at Anfield despite such returns, starting just five times in the Premier League during two and a half seasons on Merseyside.
And while opportunities could increase next season following the introduction of five substitutions in the Premier League and after the exits of Sadio Mane and Divock Origi, Liverpool are still prepared to allow Minamino to move on after strengthening their attack with the signings of Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho.
