Southampton make late swoop for Liverpool's Takumi Minamino?

Southampton are reportedly hoping to strike a late deal for Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino.

The former Red Bull Salzburg man has been little more than a bit-part player during his time at Anfield - starting just two Premier League matches for the reigning champions this term.

Minamino has struggled to force his way into Jurgen Klopp's team ahead of star-studded trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, and a temporary exit could supposedly be agreed before the 11pm deadline.

According to The Athletic, Southampton have taken a liking to the Japan international and are hopeful of wrapping up a loan move before the window shuts.

The report adds that negotiations are already at advanced stage and Southampton are excited at the prospect of landing the Liverpool man, but a deal is yet to be completed.

Minamino has scored four goals and set up two more in 31 appearances for the Reds, and his solitary Premier League goal in the 2020-21 campaign came in December's 7-0 rout of Crystal Palace.

However, the 26-year-old has only played six minutes of top-flight football since then - being an unused substitute in six of Liverpool's last seven league matches.