According to reports in the North West, Takumi Minamino could be set for a return to the South Coast with his agent said to be in talks with Saints after Liverpool have confirmed that the striker can depart this summer.

Takumi Minamino had a strange time in his loan spell at St Mary's, he started 9 games plus another as sub and scored twice both in his opening 3 games, but after that he seemed to fall out of favour with Ralph Hasenhuttl a little.

But the Austrian has spoken glowingly in the press about Minamino and now it seems that he might return to Southampton, if reports from Merseyside are to be believed.

According to Liverpool based reporter David Lynch, the Japanese international is about to depart Anfield and Southampton have met with the player’s agent, with the price set to be around £17 million.

Lynch had this to say:

“Takumi Minamino closing in on an #LFC departure with his agent having flown to Europe to field interest from Leeds, Southampton, Wolves, Fulham and Monaco. Situation likely to be resolved quickly — Liverpool hoping to secure £17m.”

I would doubt that it will be resolved that quickly, Minamino is likely to want to see out the final weeks of June in order to get his end of season loyalty bonus.

Photo: Action Images

underweststand added 11:38 - Jun 10 Ralph (apparantly) liked him in his loan spell, but didn't / couldn't play him so much at a time we were misfiring on all cylinders. He found some form in a few games after he returned to Anfield, but they know he's not a touch on Mane or Salah. His performance in the recent home game was embarrassing for our defence and he showed good skill in scoring his goal. Should we sign him(?).maybe ...depends on who else we have in the frame, but if so we should squeeze a better deal than 17 mill. Liverpool will want a good fee, and the player will be anxious to stay in the Prem. IF - he gets a regular spot in the side, then I'd go for it, but not for him to finish a season with more 20 minute sub. apps than he gets proper starts.

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derbydog added 12:03 - Jun 10 I think you are being a bit literal banging on about end of season bonuses. Anyone can sign a contract before another one ends as long as they don’t run concurrently. The old contract may well expire on June 30, and as long as he doesn’t breach it by demanding a transfer or rubbishing Liverpool, it will be paid up on or before its end date. The new contract, apparently with another club, may well start the next day but it can be signed now. Just like Forster’s. Anyway, i don’t see this one happening as he isn’t young enough or likely to go up in value so it doesn’t meet our stated transfer criteria. We went against this plan once for Theo Walcott. How did that work out? Here’s another thought for Nick to chew over. We need a proper defensive coach, Ralph having been a forward needs help there. Someone like John Terry? Or maybe Nick could research where Gary Cahill is and start that hare running again?

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TeamCortese added 12:42 - Jun 10 If we invest heavily into our Sports Science/Injury Prevention team (a million or two) I think we'd be better off going for Oxlade Chamberlain. Minamino is too light weight for me. Also feel the main priority should be sorting out the coaching staff followed by a GK, a main striker with Che Adams as deputy and a solid CB to pair up with Salisu. We also need more creativity in centre-midfield.

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EvertonSaint added 13:00 - Jun 10 No….
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darthvader added 13:42 - Jun 10 Id take him yes . As it looks like we will need two strikers . So him and some unknown soon to be superstar from africa playing in Europe who is 6ft can head , run , score and assist. For about 20m Plus a commanding centre back and a proper number two etc for Ralph plus a strong pacy midfield big vic type player . Thats my wishboard done . Sort it out saints
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Jesus_02 added 13:45 - Jun 10 ...Think that players may concerns about their wives if JT was appointed defensive coach... decent player not sure what his credentials as a coach.. I know he has badges. Maybe we could get Wayne Bridge in as youth team coach?
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darthvader added 13:47 - Jun 10 Oh and i forgot ... Pope in goal too
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Jesus_02 added 14:09 - Jun 10 Minamino wise I think he could be a touch better than Moi but he isn't going to set the world alight at 27. He is on 60k plus at Liverpool. It feels a bit similar to a lot of our attacking midfield mistakes. Boufal et al.
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ronniedavies added 16:34 - Jun 10 God forbid NO
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Colburn added 16:45 - Jun 10 Not strong enough for the Premier league judging by his spell with us, too easily brushed aside. He has quality but isn't going to bulk out any more at 27.. We are lacking strength and power so another lightweight signing is a no go for me. As mentioned, he doesn't fit our model and if Liverpool don't want him then asking for £17 million is a joke. I would rather buy Origi at his age than Minamino.

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Block8 added 18:09 - Jun 10 Not for me thank you! However getting a few good games under your belt and then being left out is, it seems, a recurring theme under Ralph????
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felly1 added 23:49 - Jun 10 Always looked a bit lightweight to me. Occasionally he show some real quality though. Probably no thanks.
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SaintPaulVW added 01:38 - Jun 11 Strikes me he's another 50:50 player and we have plenty of them. Looks expensive at the fees being quoted. If Walcott leaves then maybe.
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halftimeorange added 13:51 - Jun 11 Oh, great! Can you imagine Minamino and Adam Armstrong leading our attack? What would our attacking tactics be - running through defenders legs, standing on each others shoulders for corners. Talk of this transfer plus the retained list makes me wonder if Saints see themselves as an EPL club in the future.
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