Liverpool will not include Taki Minamino in a £40m+ deal for Dayot Upamecano

Liverpool are interested in signing RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano in the January transfer window but will not consider including Takumi Minamino as part of a potential deal, sources close to Anfield Central claim.

Jürgen Klopp's side has been blighted by injuries this season, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez set to miss the rest of the season while the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out for extended periods.

With Jöel Matip the only fit senior centre-half, it will be a miracle if Liverpool can make it to the winter transfer window without suffering several defeats.

After undergoing surgery on respective knee surgeries, van Dijk and Gomez will be lucky to play another game this season and while Fabinho can deputize in central defence, Liverpool are looking at signing Dayot Upamecano.

The Frenchman has a £40million release clause in his contract but it will only become active next summer and so Liverpool will need to contact RB Leipzig to see if they can pay a premium as they did to sign Naby Keita.

Sporting director Michael Edwards will not, however, consider including Takumi Minamino as part of a potential deal, according to sources close to Anfield Central.

The Japan International was signed from RB Salzburg and had he not moved to Anfield, his next step might have been to go to Leipzig but Liverpool will not be moving him on anytime soon as Klopp is a huge fan of his.

Liverpool signing Upamecano wouldn't just help them get through this season but will send a message to their rivals across Europe that they're not resting on their laurels after winning the Premier League and Champions in the last two seasons.