Leeds United may have been boosted in their efforts to sign Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, following Luis Diaz's expected move to Anfield.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Minamino move
The Whites were linked (Sky Sports) with a move for the Japanese attacker earlier in the week, as Marcelo Bielsa potentially looks to do some late business in January.
Minamino has been a peripheral figure for Liverpool this season, making zero starts in the Premier League and playing second fiddle to more illustrious names.
It could be that he now departs in the coming days after some significant moves from the Reds, and Leeds may have been boosted in that respect.
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The Latest: Diaz transfer could aid Whites
On Friday, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed Liverpool's expected signing of Porto star Diaz this weekend could mean Minamino leaves Anfield:
"The arrival of Diaz could see Liverpool allow departures with Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino both the subject of offers this month."
Whether or not Leeds were one of the teams to actually make an offer is unclear.
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The Verdict: Shrewd last-minute addition
Minamino has struggled to excel at Liverpool but it may simply be a matter of the sheer number of quality additions at Jurgen Klopp's disposal - the signing of Diaz exemplifies exactly that.
Leeds meanwhile are struggling for depth, and they don't even actually have an attacking midfielder in the squad, per Transfermarkt, so this feels like a wise move.
The 27-year-old has still chipped in with six goals and an assist this season despite his limited chances, not to mention netting 16 times in 36 caps for Japan.
Minamino can play up front, out wide or as a No.10, too, so his versatility could be ideal for Bielsa, who could do with an extra injection of class between now and Monday's deadline.
In other news, Phil Hay claims there is 'European interest' in one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.