Liverpool have reportedly begun transfer talks with Southampton over Takumi Minamino's future, after he spent the second half of last season on loan at St Mary's.

During his short spell on the South Coast, Minamino managed three goals in 19 appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side and the club are believed to be keen on retaining his services.

The Japan international arrived on Merseyside in January 2020 for £7.7m, but he failed to make a lasting impression on Jurgen Klopp, who has only given Minamino 10 starts in a Reds shirt.

The Mirror reports that, despite Klopp suggesting that the 26-year-old will be an important player for Liverpool in the future, Southampton are closing in on a deal to bring Minamino to the South Coast permanently.

Minamino is currently on international duty and he has recently set a new Japanese record, previously set by Keisuke Honda, of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.

In total, Minamino has scored four goals in 31 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool since arriving in 2020.