Liverpool appear to be closing in on the signing of Wataru Endo as they seek to strengthen their midfield options.

The ECHO reported on Wednesday night that Liverpool have made contact with VfB Stuttgart over the availability of the midfielder. The 30-year-old has now been granted permission by his club to hold talks with the Reds.

Endo, who can also play centre-back, is in the final year of his contract and is unlikely to command a significant fee, thought to be in the region of £16 million, with Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke having used his contacts in Germany to help make a move for the player.

As previously reported by the ECHO, Jurgen Klopp has been keen to sign a new holding midfielder after Fabinho and Jordan Henderson joined clubs in the Saudi Pro League this summer, while Liverpool also missed out on signing both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Endo has one year left on his contract, and he joined Stuttgart initially on loan in 2019 from Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden before making the deal permanent a year later. And should he complete a move to Anfield, it would make a dream he has long had come true.

“It’s no secret that playing in the Premier League is a dream of mine,” he told German publication Kicker back in November 2021.

“If there was interest from one of the top clubs in England, I would certainly listen. But so far, that hasn’t been the case. At the same time, however, the 28-year-old midfielder has a strong bond with Stuttgart.

“Ideally, I would like to lead VfB to the top, where the club used to be as German champions. I’d like to aim for the Champions League with VfB at some point,” said Endo.

“My goal is to keep developing personally, preferably in and with Stuttgart. I dream of taking part in the World Cup and playing in the Champions League.”

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß revealed that the midfielder has always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. He said: “At the age of 30, he now has the opportunity to join Liverpool in the Premier League. It’s a dream of his.”