Leeds United have failed with a cheeky move to sign Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to The Independent, who claim that Leeds are made their first move to try and bring Minamino to Elland Road.
It’s stated that Monaco also made a move for Minamino in the hope of pulling off a very late deal.
However, Liverpool have rejected both approaches and and have no intention of letting Minamino go in the coming days.
Liverpool paid £7.25million to sign Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg in 2020 and would expect a huge profit on him.
The Reds did loan Minamino out last January, sending him out to Southampton – but the same won’t be happening this time.
Liverpool seemingly value Minamino highly despite the fact that he has never been able to nail down a regular role at Anfield.
The Japanese international hasn’t started a single Premier League game this season and has just six starts across all competitions this season.
At 27, Minamino surely won’t want to be playing such a bit-part role for much longer, but Liverpool are standing firm.
It’s also interesting to think where Minamino would fit in under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds.
The Whites have invested heavily in wingers with Raphinha, Daniel James and Jack Harrison all at Bielsa’s disposal.
Minamino would surely be a striker or even a number 10 under Bielsa, playing in a more central role as he did at Salzburg.
Jurgen Klopp praised Minamino as tactically ‘outstanding’ last month, which is exactly the kind of player Bielsa would love at Leeds.
If Leeds can secure Premier League survival, this may be one that the Whites look to rekindle during the summer window.
You can guarantee that if Minamino doesn’t get more playing time in the coming months, these rumours will start up again very soon.
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