Your Leeds United transfer gossip for Thursday, June 9.
Minamino Liverpool departure 'imminent'
Takumi Minamino is reportedly closing in on a move away from Liverpool amid speculation over a move to Elland Road. The Reds are set to offload their Japan international for around £17 million after 10 goals in 24 appearances this season.
Leeds have been strongly linked with the 27-year-old, who Jurgen Klopp was reportedly happy to use as leverage in a deal to land Raphinha.
READ MORE: Southgate provides injury update on Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips
Minamino’s agent is set to meet the club alongside the likes of Wolves, Fulham and Monaco to try and find the appropriate suitor.
Whites fall behind in Grillitsch hunt
Leeds are set to miss out on the signing of Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch, according to Fabrizio Romano, with advanced talks ongoing between him and Fiorentina.
The 26-year-old will be a free agent this summer after his contract expires with the German side, and made a lot of sense in West Yorkshire with the club in the market for midfield reinforcements.
Romano tweeted: “Fiorentina are in well advanced talks to sign Florian Grillitsch as free agent. Austrian midfielder's contract with Hoffenheim will expire in the coming days and it won't be extended.”
Other midfield options are being eyed at Elland Road, including Lewis O’Brien and James Garner.
Leeds ‘tempted’ by back-up keeper
Leeds are also ‘tempted’ by the prospect of bringing in a back-up goalkeeper this summer, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay .
Illan Meslier will remain as number one at the club, but those in charge at Elland Road believe an experienced deputy to the 22-year-old could be a smart move, with the Frenchman struggling at times last season.
When asked about the possibility, Hay wrote: ”There is a discussion going on at Leeds at the moment. They’re tempted to bring in a back-up option.”
Ben Foster, John Ruddy and Scott Carson are all set to be released and offer solid options on a free transfer.
