Transfer news: Leeds and Orta eyeing move for 39-cap international; Marsch is head over heels

Leeds United remain interested in Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, according to a report from David Lynch, writing for Anfield Watch. 

Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Minamino during the January transfer window and even had approaches turned down, while there was also interest elsewhere from French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco.

Since then, the Japan international has remained a bit-part player on Merseyside despite scoring in the midweek Premier League victory over Southampton.

Now, perhaps unsurprisingly, Whites’ boss Jesse Marsch could be weighing up a possible reunion at Elland Road with the versatile ace whom he selected on 22 occasions during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.

As per the report from Anfield Watch, Leeds were indeed ‘among the clubs’ that attempted to make a deal happen in January.

It’s claimed that Liverpool will demand a fee in the region of £17million for Minamino and the former Southampton loanee is still ‘attracting interest’ from Yorkshire and Inter Milan.

The report also states that should Leeds avoid relegation this weekend then Marsch will ‘renew their attempts’ to land the 39-cap ace who is said to be ‘receptive’ to the possibility of making the switch.

Marsch is a huge fan of the player, having gushed over his abilities when Liverpool first signed him.

Despite a lack of regular opportunities since joining Liverpool, Minamino continues to prove his quality when called upon, scoring ten goals and providing one assist in just 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

In truth, the inability to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first team has been through no fault of the gifted Japanese attacker and was instead caused by a lengthy settling in period as the pandemic struck