Liverpool are planning to make a move for Red Bull Salzburg winger Takumi Minamino in January.
Minamino, who is believed to have a release clause of £7.25m, played in both his side's Champions League group games against the Reds this season.
Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of the 24-year-old because interest in the Japan forward is increasing.
Minamino has scored nine goals in 22 appearances for Salzburg this season and provided 11 assists.
In a statement on the rumours, Red Bull Salzburg's sporting director Christoph Freund said: "I can confirm that there are currently discussions with Liverpool.
"It is an honour which clubs are interested in our players."
The Premier League leaders' interest in Minamino comes just days after they knocked Salzburg out of the Champions League, having beat the Austrian side both home and away in the group stages of the competition.
Minamino particularly impressed in the game at Anfield, scoring and assisting a goal as the Austrian side fell to a 4-3 defeat.
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