Liverpool set to sign ex-Crystal Palace target Wataru Endo after Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia setbacks

Liverpool are set to sign Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, talkSPORT understands.

The Japanese international has been given permission to undergo a medical with the Merseysiders.

Endo looks set to join Liverpool in the coming daysGetty

The Stuttgart skipper will add vital steel to Jurgen Klopp’s midfieldGetty

The 30-year-old joined German side Stuttgart in 2019 on an initial loan deal before signing on a permanent basis in 2020.

In that time, Endo has made 133 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and being named as captain.

Renowned for his tackling ability and work rate, the midfielder was a key part in helping Stuttgart to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga in each of the last two seasons.

With a contract that expires next summer, Endo has previously been a transfer target of Crystal Palace, who considered a move to sign him in January.

Liverpool are desperate to sign a defensive midfield player after the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister from RB Leipzig and Brighton respectively.

The Reds had been eagerly pursuing deals for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, however Klopp’s side have suffered torrid luck having seen Chelsea hijack both deals, leaving the Merseysiders with a lack of steel in their midfield.

Liverpool have also been linked with Sofyan Amrabat and Ryan Gravenberch, with the club still holding two non-homegrown spots in their Premier League squad for the season ahead.

More will follow.For the latest on this and other breaking news stories, listen to talkSPORT