Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino could join up with his former Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch at Leeds United this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Lowdown: Handy squad player

The 27-year-old hasn't managed to establish himself as a core player at Anfield since joining the Reds from RB Salzburg two years ago, but that's not to say he hasn't had an impact for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Minamino has been an influential performer in the domestic cup competitions this season, scoring four times in as many starts in the Carabao Cup.

It could be that the Japan international looks for a fresh challenge at the end of the season, though, should his first-team chances continue to be limited on Merseyside.

The Latest: Leeds move mooted for Minamino

Having been linked with a move to Leeds in January, O'Rourke has told GiveMeSport that a reunion with Marsch could come to fruition for Minamino this summer.

The journalist claimed: "Yeah, I still think it’s a position that Leeds need to strengthen. They’ve been so badly hit by Patrick Bamford’s absences this season through injury; they haven’t got much up there. Jesse Marsch knows all about him from his time at RB Salzburg."

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-22/" title="Latest Liverpool transfer news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

While Minamino is unlikely to ever be one of the first attacking names on the team sheet at Liverpool, he is showing this season why he deserves to stay put.

He has brought end product from the substitutes' bench and been crucial in the Reds already winning one trophy, scoring four times in the triumphant Carabao Cup journey, not to mention being called an 'outstanding talent' by Jurgen Klopp.

Minamino combines hard work, technical ability and an apparent satisfaction to play a squad role - something he might not find elsewhere if he is sold - so retaining his services makes complete sense for Liverpool.

That being said, should a reunion with Marsch at Leeds appeal to the 27-year-old, it would be hard to begrudge him more regular playing time, with the Japanese forward yet to start a Premier League match this season.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.