Liverpool are set to make a move for RB Salzburg attacker Takumi Minamino in the January transfer window, according to reliable reports on Thursday.
The Japanese star, who scored against Liverpool in Salzburg's 4-3 defeat at Anfield in October, impressed again on Tuesday night, despite Salzburg falling to an eventual 2-0 defeat at home.
According to The Times' Paul Joyce, Liverpool are set to make a move for the versatile attacker in January and trigger a cut-price £7.25million release clause to bring him to Anfield.
Joyce claims that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has kept tabs on the 24-year-ole prior to this season, “due to his fascination with the Red Bull football empire and its ability to develop the sort of talent he wants for his own teams."
Liverpool had originally discussed a prospective deal for Minamino in the summer transfer window but are now ready to make a move after Klopp was “thrilled” by the Salzburg star's performances against his side in the Champions League.
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Klopp is said to be the “driving force” behind the move with the Reds expecting a deal for Minamino to be fairly straight-forward, considering his bargain release clause.
Despite having already played for Salzburg in the Champions League this season, Minamino will be not be cup-tied and will be allowed to play in the Champions League knockout stages for Liverpool after a change in the competition's rules at the start of last season.
The Mirror‘s David Maddock later added that Liverpool value him at more than 3 times his release clause, with Liverpool confident that it's a “done deal.”
He also adds that Minamino is keen to join Liverpool and Salzburg are “happy to do businesses with the Reds” due to good relations between the two clubs and their parent companies.
Minamino has had a remarkable season thus far and is one of Salzburg's most instrumental players, scoring 9 goals and assisting 11 times in just 22 games.