MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly missed out on the chance to sign Liverpool new boy Takumi Minamino because Ed Woodward had no idea about his release clause.
Jurgen Klopps Reds confirmed the arrival of the Japanese international forward this week after meeting the 7.25m transfer clause in his contract at RB Salzburg.
The 24-year-old was one of a number of players being tracked by United ahead of the January window opening.
But they were beaten to the bargain deal by the current Premier League leaders, with the Red Devils under the impression they would have had to fork out a lot more to secure his services.
And according to Goal, that is because executive vice-chairman Woodward was completely unaware of the stars release clause.
If the report is true, it will not be the first time that the Old Trafford chief has plundered in the transfer market.
David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and especially Jose Mourinho have all been left frustrated over Woodwards dealings and inabilities to secure their top targets.
Minamino passed his medical on Wednesdayas he looks to add extra firepower to Liverpool’s Premier League-chasing squad.
He has an impressive nine goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances this season,including one of each at Anfield.
The attacker put in an impressive display as RB Salzburg lost 4-3 to the defending champs in the Champions League in October.
Minamino was available well below his true valuebecause of a release clause reportedly inserted in his contract.
It is understood the European champions were left impressed by Minamino’s attacking threat and workrate duringtheir 2-0 win last week.
Meanwhile, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still desperate to bolster his attack.
Wantaway Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen is still high on his wishlist as speculation also mounts the Red Devils are attempting to push through a deal for Minamino’s former team-mate and fellow forward Erling Haaland.
