Revealed: Liverpool AREN'T close to signing 'Japanese Messi' Takefusa Kubo - despite reports in Japan - as Arne Slot adopts patient transfer approach

Liverpool are not close to agreeing a deal to sign Japan international Takefusa Kubo despite reports in his home country stating otherwise.

After Jurgen Klopp announced he would step down at the end of last season following nearly a decade on Merseyside, Dutchman Arne Slot has taken the reins at Anfield.

However, despite their Premier League opener against new boys Ipswich being less than one month away, the Reds have yet to flex their muscle in the transfer market.

Japanese outlet Sports Nippon claimed earlier this week that Liverpool had agreed a deal to sign the Real Sociedad winger for a fee said to be in the region of £50million.

The prospective move would have reportedly seen Kubo become the highest-paid player in his nation's history and make him third Japanese star to represent the Reds after Takumi Minamino and current midfielder Wataru Endo.

Despite claims Kubo had arrived in England with the deal set to be finalised imminently Mail Sport's Lewis Steele insisted the reports are 'premature', with Slot determined to assess his squad during their pre-season tour of the US.

Kubo, who has been referred to as the 'Japanese Messi' for his skills and technique enjoyed a brief stint in Barcelona's academy before joining FC Tokyo.

The 23-year-old was rewarded for his performances in the J1 League with a first international cap and went on to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2019.

Successive loans to Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe followed with Kubo failing to make a competitive appearance for Los Blancos before joining Real Sociedad. 

Since arriving at the Reale Arena Kubo has played some of the best football of his career, making 41 appearances in all competitions last season as the club reached the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in two decades.