Stuttgart captain Wataru Endo is currently undergoing a medical ahead of a move to Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 30-year-old is set to join the Reds in a shock £16 million transfer, although multiple reports claim the fee could be as high as £20m, including add-ons.
Endo has been a regular for Stuttgart since joining from the Belgium Pro League three years ago, amassing 133 appearances for the club.
While the transfer has all the making of another panic move from Liverpool, his statistics show he could yet prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the Reds.
Endo has won the most duels of all Bundesliga midfielders (1,274) since he made his debut for Stuttgart in September 2020.
Liverpool have suffered injury problems in midfield in recent years, with Thiago Alcantara often one of the first players to land in the treatment room.
However, Endo offers longevity in the middle of the park, having recorded the most minutes of any Bundesliga player since 2020 (8,783).
The Japan international also ranks second for tackles (207) and possession won (706), which will delight Liverpool fans desperate to see the club sign a holding midfielder this summer.
While Endo is now a medical away from being Liverpool’s third summer signing, his acquisition will not stop the Reds from bolstering their midfield ranks with at least one more recruit.
Reports in the Netherlands also claim Liverpool are exploring a move to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko.
Dutch reporter Rik Elfrink reports that the six-time European champions have contacted PSV to inquire about the conditions of a deal.
The 20-year-old winger is one of the most sought-after talents in the transfer market, with several European clubs vying for his signature.
Liverpool will have a battle on their hands to land the highly-rated youngster, especially from Merseyside rivals Everton, who are poised to launch a bid for the four-capped Belgium international.
