Late-night news: Leeds could now sign 'exceptional' forward who starred under Marsch at Salzburg

Liverpool could offer Takumi Minamino to Leeds United in a deal which might take Raphinha to Anfield, according to The Mirror.

Jesse Marsch has already brought in attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who he coached at Red Bull Salzburg, and he looks set for another reunion with right-back Rasmus Kristensen.

The Whites appear to be closing in on a deal for the Danish defender, who Marsch signed for the Austrian giants from Ajax in 2019.

Minamino is another who worked under the Leeds head coach at Salzburg, contributing to 20 goals in 22 games under the American, and a move for the ‘exceptional’ Japanese forward could well be on the cards.

The Mirror’s Steve Bates shared an update late on Saturday night regarding Raphinha and Minamino.

The journalist said that Liverpool are ramping up their interest in the £60m-rated Leeds winger and could offer the 27-year-old Japan international to bring down the price for the Brazilian.

Phil Hay has claimed that it is likely to take a bid in the region of £60m-£70m to get Raphinha out of Elland Road this summer, amid links of a move to Barcelona.

However, it looks as if Liverpool may look to replace Sadio Mane with Raphinha. Minamino is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, so the Reds may still have to cough up around £50m for Leeds to entertain any player-plus-cash deal.

Marsch could well be open to the possibility of reuniting with another of his former Salzburg stars, though, with the Japan international capable of playing anywhere across the front three and starring under the 48-year-old’s watch in the past.

In other news: ‘This one gets done…’ – Journalist now drops ‘imminent’ Phillips claim with Leeds exit ‘in motion’

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