The 30-year-old Japanese international was due to complete his medical in England on Thursday ahead of a move in the region of £16m. His shock switch from the Bundesliga comes just a week after Liverpool became embroiled in a transfer battle with Chelsea for Moises Caicedo.

Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure has also become subject to speculation over a move to Anfield. The former Lens midfielder is reportedly among the key Liverpool targets for further midfield additions this summer.

Meanwhile, reports in Germany have suggested that the Reds are admirers of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.