liverpool have made an approach for VfB Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo.

Reds supporters couldn’t have envisiaged that they would be linked with a 30-year-old Japanese international seven days ago. In the last week, Liverpool have had a British record bid accepted for Moises Caicedo, only to be rejected by the Ecuadorian as he penned terms with Chelsea.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia was previously a target but Liverpool’s pursuit was a frustrating one after having three bids rejected for the 19-year-old Belgian. It has since been reported that the London club are in the driving seat to acquire his services after he too snubbed an Anfield move.

Jorg Schmadtke is well-versed around the Bundesliga following his time in the hierarchy at Wolfsburg, among others.

But who is the latest midfielder to be linked with Liverpool?

Who is Wataru Endo?

Wataru Endo is a 30-year-old professional footballer, born in Yokohama Japan.

The 5 ft 10 in outfielder is a versatile option with the capability of playing at centre-back and also defensive midfield.

He has made 133 appearances for VfB Stuttgart since making the move to the MHPArena in 2020. The majority of his time in Baden-Wurrtemberg has been spent in defensive or central midfield. Just two of his appearances have come in the middle of a defensive line.

Strikingly, he has scored 15 goals for Stuttgart, 10 of which came from the base of midfield with as many assists.

What has been reported?

Liverpool have made a shock move for Japan international captain Wataru Endo of Stuttgart as they race to bring in a proven defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes, the ECHO understands.

The Reds have made contact over the availability of the 30-year-old, who was regarded among the best in his position in the Bundesliga last season.

Endo – who can also play centre-back – is in the final year of his contract and is unlikely to command a significant fee, with Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke having used his contacts in Germany to help make a move for the player.

What has been said?

Former VfB Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who handed Endo the captaincy at Stuttgart, previously described him as a solider.

He expressed Endo’s importance, saying: “It’s important for me that our captain can take everyone with him, that he embodies the values we stand for and is an example to follow.

“I have chosen Wataru Endo because he’s also someone who leaves room for other players to take responsibility.”

Sven Mislintat, former Stuttgart Sporting Director, described him as “incredible valuable”. He said: “As a player and as a person, he’s simply incredibly valuable. He’s one of these anchors, a focal point in our system. Whether he plays as a centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, it’s good that he’s there and performs.”