Liverpool reject approach from Monaco and Leeds for Minamino

This season, the Japan international has made 18 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Liverpool has rejected initial approaches from Monaco and Leeds for forward Takumi Minamino.

The Japan international has made 18 appearances this season, but only six have been starts, and four came in the Carabao Cup.

However, despite the expression of interest from the Ligue 1 club and fellow Premier League side, the PA news agency understands Liverpool have turned down both.

Minamino is well behind Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the pecking order. Jurgen Klopp’s side are still in four competitions – they have a League Cup final against Chelsea in a month, and the belief is there is no desire to offload the 27-year-old.

It would take a considerable offer for them to consider allowing the player, signed from RB Salzburg in January 2020 for £7.25million, to leave.

Atalanta is also considering striker Divock Origi as an option should their Newcastle-linked Colombia international Duvan Zapata move to the Premier League.

There has not yet been a formal approach to Liverpool, but it could be a move that appeals to the Belgian forward, in a World Cup year, who has scored five goals in 11 appearances this season despite struggling for pitch time.

Goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros has joined National League side Notts County on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old Czech recently returned from nine months with St Patrick’s Athletic, where he lifted the FAI Cup and was named the club’s player of the Year.