Reliable Journalist Claims “Total Agreement Reached” As Liverpool Close In On First January Signing

The Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are very close to announcing the signing of Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg.

The Japanese international is now expected to join the Reds in the January transfer window, subject to a medical, with the Merseyside club having triggered the forward’s £7.25m release clause:

When asked about Minamino earlier today, manager Jurgen Klopp refused to talk about the details of the transfer but did admit that he is an admirer of the 24-year-old:

“There’s nothing else to say about it. We speak about it when it’s sorted. He’s a very good player – I can say that – but I saw a few in the Salzburg team, much more than I wanted!”

Manchester United and a number of European clubs were also said to be in the running for the Japanese star but Liverpool have moved quickly to seal the deal for the winger.

With Minamino able to play right across the frontline, it will allow the likes Rhian Brewster and Curtis Jones to leave on loan next month so they can play more first-team football in the second half of the season.