Liverpool have effectively sealed the signing of Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg.

The Japanese forward will sign for the club on January 1, subject to a medical, with Liverpool and Michael Edwards in negotiations with the Austrian club for the past six weeks.

Minamino is one of the stars in Salzburg's exciting young team and amazingly, he will cost Liverpool just £7.25m.

That's due to his release clause, one which Manchester United were completely oblivious to, according to the Mirror.

The Red Devils had earmarked Minamino as an alternative signing to Leicester's James Maddison, but they were never aware of his paltry release clause.

Instead, they were expecting to have to fork out an eight-figure transfer fee for the 24-year-old.

Yet more proof that Liverpool are the best run club in England right now, by far.

If Jurgen Klopp's side have been missing anything in the past 12 months, it has been a nimble playmaker to pick apart opponents who attempt to sit back and defend deep.

And guess what? They've gone and got one of the best around for an absolute bargain!

Edwards has a close relationship with his counterpart, Christian Freund, over in Salzburg, meaning the deal should be completed in the coming weeks with no issues.

Minamino has been on fire for Salzburg this season, scoring nine goals and supplying 11 assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

If Liverpool needed a boost going into the 2020, they've now got it.

ANALYSIS

GiveMeSport's Danny Ryan says:

For rival fans, it must be so frustrating seeing everything fall into place for Liverpool.

But it's not luck, it's the result of a top football club being run to perfection and one that's on course to dominate world football for years to come.

I can't say whether Minamino will be a huge hit at Anfield, no one can predict the future, but his performances in the Champions League will give Liverpool fans great hope.

A hard-working player with the skill to match? A perfect Klopp play and he has all the attributes to be the first great bargain of 2020.

I take my hat off to you, Liverpool Football Club.