Leeds United are ramping up their interest in signing Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino before Monday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds’ interest in Minamino is ramping up ahead of the window slamming shut.
Leeds really want to add some attacking firepower before the window closes and a move for Red Bull Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson doesn’t seem to be happening.
Liverpool forward Minamino is now on the wish list, even being described as a ‘serious target’ for Leeds.
The Whites want to take Minamino on loan until the end of the season, just as Southampton did this time last year.
The Independent reported on Thursday that Leeds had failed with an approach to sign Minamino.
However, the situation may have changed a little since then. Liverpool have today completed the signing of Porto winger Luis Diaz, bolstering their attacking options.
That again pushes Minamino down the pecking order for the long-term, whilst Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will be back from the Africa Cup of Nations soon.
With Diaz officially on board at Liverpool, Leeds may now see this as their perfect chance to swoop in and sign Minamino.
Minamino, 27, hasn’t started a single Premier League game this season but has scored four times in five League Cup outings.
Versatile across the front three and even as a number 10, Minamino can fill a number of role for Bielsa – something the Argentinian loves.
Last season, Jurgen Klopp hailed Minamino as a ‘machine’ and a ‘devil’ off the ball, with his pressing numbers absolutely incredible.
That’s another reason why Bielsa would love Minamino, as he knows the Japanese star would give his all in a high-pressing system.
There isn’t long left for Leeds to get this deal done, but the Diaz move may just push the Whites into launching a second move for Minamino in the coming hours.
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