Takumi Minamino and the Celtic fan experience fuelling Liverpool transfer dream

Premier League leaders Liverpool are reportedly hot on the heels of RB Salzburg star Takumi Minamino.

And it appears the Japanese striker's desire to play in the UK was heightened by a trip to Celtic Park in 2018.

Hoops fans will remember Minamino, who scored as part of the impressive Salzburg side which beat Brendan Rodgers' team home and away in the Europa League.

Transfer talk has ramped up south of the border ahead of the upcoming January window and a bargain £7.5million move looks likely.

But quotes published in The Athletic following a 2-1 win at Parkhead reveal the decision to seek a move to England was fuelled by the atmosphere in Glasgow.

Takumi Minamino scores Salzburg's second (AFP)

“I’d love to play there (in Britain)," Minamino said.

“It’s one of the leagues that I’ve watched ever since I was a child and it’s the league where all the top players play.

"The way Celtic played, the supporters, the stadium and the atmosphere was pretty similar to the Premier League.

"It was such a good experience for me.”