'From Leeds...' - Orta now chasing 'outstanding' Premier League ace; Aaronson alternative

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, with Monaco also thought to be keen on a move.

The Japanese playmaker has struggled to make his mark at Anfield since arriving from RB Salzburg in January 2020, often finding himself on the periphery of things.

Minamino hasn’t started a single Premier League game so far this season, appearing for just 87 minutes in the competition, and it is difficult to see the situation changing considering he has not even forced his way in while Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have been away at AFCON.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been strongly linked with Brenden Aaronson, and it appears Victor Orta could now be eyeing the Reds man as another option in that attacking midfield role.

According to PA journalist Carl Markham on Twitter, Liverpool have rejected ‘initial interest’ from Orta and co regarding a move for Minamino, with Monaco also in the hunt.

The forward’s current Reds deal expires in the summer of 2024.

.@LFC have rejected initial interest in Takumi Minamino from Leeds and Monaco. Also, Atalanta are monitoring Divock Origi as they could be losing Duvan Zapata to Newcastle.

— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) January 27, 2022

Minamino may have failed to fully make the grade at Liverpool but he is a classy footballer who could be a strong addition by Leeds, having been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Jurgen Klopp.

The fact that the Reds are reportedly set to sign Luis Diaz from Porto could also push the Japan international further down the pecking order at Anfield, possibly improving Leeds’ chances of getting their man, despite the initial rejection.

Minamino has undoubted pedigree, having scored 42 goals and registered 30 assists in 136 Austrian Bundesliga