'Salzburg star Minamino is a perfect fit for Liverpool'

Red Bull Salzburg's Takumi Minamino is a "perfect fit for Liverpool", according to Jason McAteer, who has endorsed the forward's potential arrival at Anfield in January.

McAteer, who played at Anfield between 1995 and 1999, has been impressed with the Salzburg attacker's performances in Europe and thinks he has all the attributes to "strengthen" Jurgen Klopp's current squad.

"If Liverpool are planning to make a move for Salzburg’s Takumi Minamino then I think it’s a perfect fit," McAteer wrote in the Racing Post. "They’ve seen the Japanese star up close and personal in the Champions League and, like me, they’d have been impressed.

"In the first game between the sides, the 4-3 win, Minamino was absolutely integral in Salzburg’s second-half improvement. He played in little holes, was quite clever and was a bundle of energy. He scored, taking his chance really well.

"He was probably their most impressive player on the pitch that night and in the return, he was a constant thorn in Liverpool’s side. Klopp is not one of those managers who wants to go and spend 70, 80, 90 million pounds on superstars – he likes players he can work with and make better and I think it would be a really good signing at the price.

"He would certainly strengthen the squad. I wouldn’t say he’s going to displace any of the front three but if I was looking to throw someone on for half an hour with the energy and the brain he’s got, he’d be perfect."