Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo is not in advanced negotiations with Liverpool over a big-money move to Anfield this summer, according to a report.
The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons at Real Sociedad and has established himself as a star player for the La Liga outfit, scoring 16 goals and registering 14 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions.
Kubo's impressive performances are understood to have caught the eye of a number of top European clubs over the last 12 months, including Manchester United who were linked with the Japan international in January.
However, the former Real Madrid youngster allegedly rebuffed interest from the Red Devils to extend his contract at Real Sociedad until June 2029, with his deal including a €60m (£51m) release clause.
Six months down the line, Kubo is once again being linked with a possible move to the Premier League, but this time it is Arne Slot's Liverpool who have been credited with an interest.
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Liverpool dismiss Kubo links
Japanese news outlet Sports Nippon claims that negotiations between Liverpool and Real Sociedad over a deal for Kubo are "in the final stages" with the Reds set to activate the winger's release clause.
However, according to senior sources provided to The Athletic, both Liverpool and Real Sociedad have dismissed those suggestions and a proposed transfer to Anfield is not close.
Kubo has instead flown out with Imanol Alguacil's first-team squad to his native Japan ahead of a pre-season friendly against Gamba Osaka on Thursday.
Liverpool midfielder identifies Kubo as Salah replacement
Speculation over Kubo's future at Real Sociedad comes at a time when the long-term future of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is believed to be uncertain.
The 32-year-old Reds legend has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield and it remains to be seen whether the Saudi Arabia-linked attacker is keen to extend his stay after seven memorable years on Merseyside.
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It is understood that Liverpool are preparing for life without their No.11 in the event that he departs in the near future, and Reds midfielder Wataru Endo has suggested that compatriot Kubo would be a suitable replacement.
Asked on Japanese channel ABEMA Sports Time if there is an international teammate he would like to join him at Liverpool, Endo said: "Maybe Kubo.
"They're looking for a replacement for Mo Salah, so that's probably going to be a real area for Liverpool to strengthen in the future, and if they think about who can replace him, I think it'll be Kubo."
Kubo himself has previously spoken highly of Liverpool, telling Goal in 2019: "The team I find interesting in terms of football right now is Liverpool. When I watch them, I feel like, 'What an amazing team'. This is a little different from 'liking' them, it's more like, 'they're amazing'."
Slot is yet to make his first summer signing as Liverpool head coach, but the Dutchman has seen four players depart, including Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip upon the expiration of their contracts.
