Liverpool transfer news: Reds make 'contact' for Real Sociedad star

Liverpool made 'contact' with Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo in the January transfer window and will pursue the Japan international again in the summer, according to one report.

It's been a quiet winter window for Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team, with the Reds highly unlikely to strengthen their squad before the upcoming deadline.

That hasn't stopped a plethora of names being touted with an Anfield switch, with the majority of potential candidates being central defenders.

However, there have been reports of the Reds pursuing a new attacker to bolster an already phenomenal front line, with Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad having now been linked.

According to Relevo, Liverpool even contacted the Basque side regarding Kubo in January, but the attacker opted against leaving Sociedad in the middle of the season.

The report indicates that the Reds appreciate Kubo's quality and are expected to go back in for the 22-year-old in the summer, who boasts a €60m (£51m) release clause in his current deal.

The talented Kubo has also been offered a £17m-a-year deal with Al Nassr repeatedly, but has no intentions of leaving Europe this early in his promising career.

There is a catch though, with Real Madrid, Kubo's former club, having a 50% sell-on clause and first refusal on the 32-cap international should he leave Sociedad - although there is no suggestion on whether Los Blancos would be interested in taking him back.

Other teams in the Premier League are reportedly keen on his services, as are Serie A champions Napoli.

Kubo is currently playing in the Asian Cup with Japan, featuring alongside Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo and former Red Takumi Minamino.

The winger, who also features as an attacking-midfielder, thoroughly impressed on numerous loan spells during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, and has continued to blossom after making the permanent switch to Sociedad.

He has netted six goals and provided four assists in all competitions this season so far and is a player with immense potential.

The young attacker also appears the right profile signing for Liverpool, although whether there is any substance in reports linking him with Merseyside remains to be seen.