Liverpool are confident of signing Red Bull Salzburg’s Takumi Minamino for only £7.25 million when the transfer window opens next month.

The Japan attacking midfielder, who impressed against the European champions despite his side’s 2-0 defeat on Tuesday night, is available for a fraction of his market value because of a release clause in his deal.

Minamino, 24, has been tracked by Manchester United, Borussia Mönchengladbach and AC Milan but Liverpool started negotiations last month after their recruitment team became aware of the clause. Christoph Freund, Salzburg’s sporting director, has confirmed Liverpool’s interest, which was revealed by The Times. “I can confirm that there are discussions with Liverpool,” said Freund, who has a strong relationship with his Anfield counterpart, Michael Edwards. “It is an