Takefusa Kubo 'already learning English' amid $71m Liverpool transfer rumors

Liverpool is reportedly interested in the Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo . The Reds are yet to make a foray into the transfer market this summer ahead of a campaign which remains a mystery as to how it will play out under new management.

There have been plenty of links to players far and wide, but nothing concrete has emerged in the way of a significant move to bolster Arne Slot's first-team squad. However, reports from Japan claim Liverpool are close to sealing a deal for Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo, with negotiations said to be "in the final stages" for the 23-year-old midfielder.

Sponichi Annex reports that Liverpool is close to signing the Japanese international from La Real, with Kubo also being said to have been learning English. That decision could also have been made so as to encourage other Premier League sides to consider him.

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And in Kubo, the Reds would be bringing in a versatile attacker, who predominately prefers to play off the right so he can cut inside on his left foot. While last term saw him feature on the right wing for La Real, who finished sixth in La Liga, Kubo has also previously operated off the left wing, behind a central striker, and on occasion asked to lead the line, albeit in a front two.

The deal for Kubo is mooted to be worth around $71m (£55m/€65m). While his numbers last season, seven goals and three assists in 26 games, weren't exactly eye-catching, underlying statistics suggest Kubo's teammate might actually have played a role in impacting his personal stats.

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The Japanese international ranked in the 86th percentile per FBref amongst wingers across Europe's top five leagues for expected assists, a statistic the data website has Liverpool's own Mohamed Salah leading from last season. And Kubo also ranked in the 91st percentile when it comes to progressive carries too, averaging over five a game.

He also won La Liga's Player of the Month award for September last season and could be primed for a breakout campaign on Merseyside this coming season if he does complete a move to Anfield . It remains to be seen, however, just how interested Liverpool is in the player and whether a deal can be gotten over the line.