Leeds United's hopes of securing the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino have been shattered, following a recent update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the word?

The transfer guru revealed on Twitter that the Japan international is set to secure a move to Ligue 1 outfit As Monaco this summer, despite having been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent months.

[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more" title="Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!"]

He stated:

"Takumi Minamino deal, completed. He’s joining AS Monaco, permanent move from Liverpool now confirmed by Philippe Clement: 'We’re really happy, he was our priority.'

"Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons."

The 27-year-old - who joined the Reds on a £7.25m deal back in January 2020 - had previously worked under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, albeit with that connection seemingly not proving enough to get a deal over the line.

Supporters gutted

That news will come as a real blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with supporters having no doubt been hopeful that Marsch would be able to tempt his former asset into staying in the Premier League, following what's been a mixed spell on Merseyside.

While the £10.8m-rated gem has failed to gain a regular role in Jurgen Klopp's side - making just five league starts under the German in total over the past two-and-a-half years - Minamino had proved vital in the Reds' recent domestic cup double, notably netting seven goals in just eight games in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, combined.

Equally, even with his lack of top-flight action, the £72k-per-week gem still managed to net three league goals in just 11 appearances last term, showcasing that he can be a real asset if handed the chance to be a first-team regular.

Marsch, in particular, is fully aware of the 42-cap gem's talents, with the versatile speedster having scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in just 22 appearances under the American coach during their spell in Austria, notably providing five goal contributions in just six games under the 48-year-old in the Champions League.

Although that may have been a brief relationship, the former RB Leipzig boss would undoubtedly have been keen to rekindle it in Yorkshire, with the club seemingly in need of new attacking additions amid rampant speculation regarding the future of talisman, Raphinha.

While another former Salzburg man in Brenden Aaronson has also arrived through the door, the youthful playmaker is yet to taste Premier League football, hence the need to bolster the forward line with a player such as Minamino, who has experience of the English game.

Alas, sporting director Victor Orta and co will now have to prioritise alternative targets, with supporters left gutted that the 5 foot 9 menace won't be trading Liverpool for Leeds this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals "crucial" transfer development, it's great news for Leeds