Southampton 'complete deal for Takumi Minamino'

Southampton have reportedly completed the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Japanese international has failed to break into Jurgen Klopp's first team, starting only twice in the Premier League this campaign.

Southampton expressed their interest in the player late in the transfer window, but have been able to complete a deal for the 26-year-old before the 11pm deadline.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that there is no option to buy the forward, who will join up with Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad imminently, in the summer.

Minamino joined the Reds from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in January 2019 for a fee of around £7.5m and has gone on the make over 30 appearances for the Anfield club.

The forward, who has 26 caps for Japan, is to compete with the likes of Danny Ings, Che Adams and Theo Walcott for a place in a Southampton side hoping to qualify for Europe this season.