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 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. The player has been granted permission by Stuttgart to talk with Liverpool.

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.

It is a surprise move from Liverpool, who have thus far been frustrated in their attempts to sign a number six this summer to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s squad following the departures of James Milner, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

The Reds had a £110million offer for Moises Caicedo accepted by Brighton last week only for the player to instead choose to join Chelsea for £115m, with the Londoners also expected to sign another long-term Liverpool target, Southampton’s 19-year-old Romeo Lavia.

On Wednesday alone, Liverpool were linked again with Crystal Palace’s Checik Doucoure, Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.

However, they are now close to agreeing a deal for Endo, who has previously played for Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Red Diamonds in his homeland along with Sint-Truiden of Belgium. He has earned more than 50 caps for his country.

German football magazine Kicker produce rankings every half-season for best in position in the Bundesliga, with Endo making the top echelon in both halves of the 2022/23 campaign as one of six defensive midfielders regarded “international class”.

With 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic having only just returned to full training after more than four months out with injury, summer signing Alexis Mac Allister was forced to play in the defensive midfield role in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday in Liverpool’s Premier League opener. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones had previously been employed in the position during pre-season.

Liverpool remain in the market for a left-sided centre-back and could choose to further bolster their midfield resources before the transfer deadline on September 1.