Liverpool have already closed the deal door, as Jürgen Klopp look set to finalize…

Liverpool looks to be closing in on the signing of Wataru Endo, with Jörg Schmadtke acting quickly after

Liverpool has sprung a surprise by lining up a move for Stuttgart’s Wataru Endo.

The 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who impressed in the Bundesliga last season, has caught the attention of the Reds’ sporting director, Jörg Schmadtke. As reported by the Liverpool ECHO, the player has been granted permission by Stuttgart to talk with Liverpool.

issing out on Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia.

Despite securing the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to boost Jürgen Klopp’s options earlier in the window, there is a clear need for further reinforcements in midfield. Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia were targeted but look set to become teammates at Chelsea.

READ MORE: Exclusive: “Legendo” Wataru Endo tipped to succeed at Liverpool by former Stuttgart coach

In its quest to add a proven defensive midfielder to its ranks, Liverpool has turned to Endo, who also possesses the versatility to play as a center-back. Schmadtke’s extensive contacts in German football played a pivotal role in facilitating the move.

While the transfer may raise some eyebrows, Sven Mislintat — the former sporting director at Stuttgart and now at West Ham — provided a summary of Endo’s talents which go some way to explaining why Liverpool is making the Japan international its third signing of the window.

“With his footballing qualities, his mentality, and his professionalism, Wataru is a leader in the most literal sense of the word,” he said in November 2020. In a separate interview the same year, Mislintat added: “He’s just incredibly valuable as a player and as a personality.

“He’s one of those anchors, those fixed points in our system. It doesn’t matter whether it’s as a central defender or as a six. It’s great that he’s there and doing these things.”