Liverpool have opened talks with VfB Stuttgart for Japan midfielder Wataru Endo.

The Reds have turned to Endo after being beaten by Chelsea to midfield pair Moises Caicedo, formerly of Brighton, and Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

BBC Sport says talks are now underway between the two clubs for the 30 year-old.

Endo made 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, scoring five goals and registering four assists.

The Reds are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder after losing Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner this summer.