Liverpool are said to be in ‘regular contact’ with officials from Southampton regarding the future of forward Takumi Minamino.
The Japanese ace spent the second half of the season with the Saints after struggling to break into Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Anfield.
Despite making a bright start to life on the south coast, the 26-year-old ended a temporary spell with just two goals from 10 Premier League outings.
Still regarded as part of the future on Merseyside, a report from Hampshire Live, as cited by Anfield Watch on Twitter, has suggested there could still be a permanent departure.
Twitter: Southampton and Liverpool are in regular contact over the future of Takumi Minamino
https://t.co/yrsMVWL3Bh (@AnfieldWatch)
The report claims that the Saints are ‘keen’ to sign Minamino, whilst also citing a possible move for wantaway Reds’ full-back Neco Williams.
Signed on the back of an impressive UEFA Champions League group campaign, featuring Liverpool, the 31-cap man was perceived as a bargain at just £7.25million (Sky Sports).
Things haven’t quite gone to plan, however, with the versatile forward making just 31 appearances for the club, scoring four and assisting two other goals.
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Valued at £10.8million (Transfermarkt), transfer honcho Michael Edwards will be confident of obtaining a profit on any sale of the Japanese international this summer.
Should the player want to stay and fight for a place then it’s a commendable stance, albeit perhaps the wrong one in the long run.
Ultimately the deal hasn’t worked out and as Klopp looks to bolster the squad options, pocketing the money for Minamino looks to be the best for all parties.
