Takumi Minamino emerged as a potential January signing for Leeds United with just four days left of the transfer window earlier this week.
The Japan international was linked with the Whites after they were reportedly made aware that they would have to wait until the summer to agree a deal for main target Brenden Aaronson.
Initial reports suggested that Leeds saw an initial approach knocked back with Jurgen Klopp conscious of already-depleted attacking options.
However, the Reds’ pursuit of Porto forward Luis Diaz has opened up the opportunity for Minamino’s departure.
Whether or not Leeds will follow up their first rejected offer remains to be seen.
Here are all the updates on the transfer situation so far.
Liverpool done deal
Liverpool confirmed their move for Luis Diaz from Porto on Sunday lunchtime as they completed a deal that could be worth as much as £50million.
The Colombia international has signed a five-and-a-half year deal at Anfield, which now means the likes of fringe players Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi have their futures in doubt.
Monaco interest
With Liverpool's move for Luis Diaz done and dusted well ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline, Takumi Minamino's Anfield future remains in the air.
Leeds United had been linked with the Japan international as a potential replacement for Crysencio Summerville, who is being linked with a loan exit, but according to the Sun, Leeds are 'losing the fight' to take Minamino on loan. They claim that Monaco are prepared to offer a cash bid in order to make a permanent move, something Leeds are not looking to do.
Would Minamino provide cover for Bamford?
Minamino is a versatile player in the way that he plays in a number of different positions for Liverpool but he has looked best in the number 10 role behind a recognised striker.
Whether he is being seen as a replacement in the short term for Aaronson, who Leeds will likely revisit in the summer, remains to be seen but it seems the Reds are only interested in selling on a permanent basis.
If Minamino and Aaronson are both being lined up then it would suggest one of them is being seen as potential cover for the injured Patrick Bamford.
His injury problems this season have laid bare the lack of back up striker options in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad with Dan James trying, and largely failing, to emulate the role of Leeds’ recognised number nine.
If Minamino is being targeted to fill in for Bamford then there is a real possibility that his arrival would solve none of the problems at Elland Road.
Like James, he too is diminutive in his figure and wouldn’t provide the presence that the Whites have missed on so many occasions so far this term.
Liverpool’s changed stance
The reason Liverpool were not willing to parts ways with Minamino was because of their shortage of attacking options.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah remain away at the African Cup of Nations but, even when they are back, Klopp is keen to have a back-up option for each of his three attacking positions.
If Minamino was allowed to depart for Leeds, it would leave him with just Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi as offensive cover and the latter is currently injured.
However, according to The Athletic, Liverpool are closing in on deal worth around £50m for Porto forward Luis Diaz. He is someone who can play anywhere across the frontline and would provide vital competition/cover for the attacking players at Anfield.
As a result of this, they are now said to be open to letting Minamino and Origi leave permanently for the right place but Leeds would have to stump up £20m for the attacking midfielder.
Leeds approach rejected
Out of nowhere on Thursday, the Evening Standard reported that Liverpool had turned down Leeds’ approach for Minamino.
They also claimed that Monaco were one of the other clubs looking to arrange a deal for the 27-year-old and that they too had had an approach rejected.
It was unclear as to whether the Whites had earmarked him as an alternative to Aaronson who will not be available until the summer with Red Bull Salzburg still competing in the Champions League.
Leeds supporters were unsure as to whether Minamino would satisfy the void in the squad that has been left by the string of injuries to first-team players.
