RB Salzburg's sporting director has confirmed discussions are underway to sell Takumi Minamino to Liverpool.
The Reds are set to part with just £7.25million - the price of Minamino's release clause - to land the Japanese forward when the January transfer window opens.
The 24-year-old impressed Jurgen Klopp and co. in the two matches Liverpool played against RB Salzburg in the Champions League this season.
And now Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund has all-but confirmed the transfer will take place, revealing his delight that the Austrian club's players are attracting attention from European giants like Liverpool.
Freund said: "I can confirm that there are currently discussions with Liverpool. It is an honor which clubs are interested in our players."
This isn't the first time Freund has admitted his apparent willingness to sell Minamino, despite the club set to make just under £8million for one of their prized assets.
Freund told the Independent: "He is an outstanding player with an outstanding personality. The big clubs have been watching him and if I was them, I'd have no hesitation to sign him. Takumi is ready to make the next step in January."
Minamino found the back of the net against Liverpool in their 4-3 win over RB Salzburg in the Champions League, when the pair met for a group game at Anfield earlier in the season.
Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the energetic Japanese forward, who has drawn comparisons to Brazilian star Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool are also keen to break into to the Far East market, and are hopeful that Minamino will improve their global appeal.
