By Craig Scott

30th Jan, 2022 | 3:20pm

Monaco set to beat Leeds United in race to sign Liverpool forward Minamino

Leeds United look set to lose out to Monaco in the battle to sign forward Takumi Minamino from Liverpool, according to The Sun on Sunday.

The newspaper reported on 30 January via their print edition [page 62] that the Whites have tried to sign Minamino, 27, on loan from Liverpool.

However, it is understood that Monaco are “serious” about signing the Japan international and are expected to offer a cash deal to sign him.

The Sun on Sunday claims that Leeds are not planning to pay up for Minamino, meaning they could miss out on a deal for him.

The Mirror has reported that Leeds have already had an approach for Minamino rejected by Liverpool.

Massive shame

It looks like Victor Orta can cross another name off his list with Leeds seeming as though they’re going to miss out on Minamino.

We haven’t signed anyone this month.

Not many Premier League clubs have signed new players in this January transfer window. However, none of our top-flight rivals have anywhere near the injury issues Marcelo Bielsa has.

Bielsa’s stubbornness better not come back to bite us because while he likes to have a small, closely-knit squad at his disposal, the injuries have wreaked havoc on our season.

We’d probably be in the top-half if we had all of our best players available all season. Raphinha is probably the only star player to have not been injured for more than one game this season.

Minamino would be a very good signing as his ability to play in multiple positions would have helped us out massively.

Please, Leeds. Do not let this slip through your fingers.

In other Leeds United news, a big-name midfielder has been offered to the Whites ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.