Former Liverpool ace Michael Owen has cast doubt over the club's transfer planning.

The Reds are set to use Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo as their starting no.6 this season.

Multiple sources in England have stated that Endo may be their last midfield signing of the summer.

“Quite clearly he wasn't their first choice, let's get it right," the former Reds striker told Premier League Productions of the Stuttgart midfielder's signing.

"But I like the way Liverpool have given a bit of clarity, they've gone and done it. The longer that went on without having that No.6, the more the prices get ramped up and all kinds. There's a lot of nervousness amongst the fans and the players

“Target one, that didn't happen, target two, that didn't happen. The next day virtually, we heard there was a medical taking place and a fee being agreed. So I think Liverpool should be commended by that. They've taken a lot of criticism in the last week or two for not getting a couple of signings over the line."

“It remains to be seen whether he's a good buy," continued Owen.

"I mean, he's experienced, he's 30 years of age. It's not long-term thinking. They were going to spend over £100m on Caicedo, let's say, that would have been for a decade or so to nail down that position. Whereas this one it's almost like a stop-gap for maybe two or three years, until they find another one."