Joao Gomes admission, Man Utd battle - How Liverpool could shape midfield after £12m transfer

Liverpool have turned down a bid for midfielder Wataru Endo but Arne Slot could face the prospect of adding reinforcements into the heart of his midfield

Liverpool rejected an approach worth close to £12million for midfielder Wataru Endo. The Reds have faced speculation over their midfield department for the majority of the summer but over who will arrive at Anfield and not who could depart L4.

The ECHO reported on Sunday night that the 31-year-old Japan captain has become the subject of interest from Marseille and a number of unnamed clubs. There is no appetite to sell the former VfB Stuttgart man but it remains to be seen whether Roberto De Zerbi's side will return in the pursuit or whether the Reds' resolve will be tested again.

Stefan Bajcetic is among the list of selection options, as he bids for full fitness after a battle with injuries following his breakthrough campaign in 2022/23. Alexis Mac Allister has capabilities to play in the holding midfield role but played his best football under Jurgen Klopp further forward, last season.

Irrespective of whether Endo leaves, Liverpool are looking to bolster their ranks in Arne Slot's first season in charge. And the Dutchman says it would be a surprise if there were no additions. He said: "If there’s any news on that we will come to you. But we already have a very good team, where I am already really happy.

"It would be a surprise for all of us if we don’t bring any players in, so that will probably happen in the end. For now, we are just waiting for the players to come back and waiting for the right ones to sign."

Throughout the summer, Liverpool are linked with a host of players around Europe. A name that has recently risen to the fore is Joao Gomes, the 23-year-old Wolves midfielder has made 45 appearances in the English top-flight and could provide an opportunity in the market for the Reds.

Primarily a central midfielder, Gomes can play in a deeper role - where he featured 35 times during his time in Flamengo as well as five appearances for the Molineux club, scoring twice. The stopper charts among the top players in Europe's top five leagues for tackles and compares with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Mac Allister for ball recoveries, eclipsing his Wolves teammates.

He has already admitted it is his dream to play for the Reds and in the Champions League. He said via ESPN Brasil: "Liverpool are a team I would play for. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football."

A youngster with Premier League experience would tick boxes under the previous scope for acquiring talents. Another alternative is Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder has attracted attention from the Premier League already with Manchester United and Arsenal also speculated to hold an interest in the 25-year-old.

The out-and-out defensive midfielder has gone under the radar outside of Spain and played a role in their Euro 2024 triumph. Zubimendi has made 188 appearances for the Basque club, 143 of which as a holding midfielder. A possible drawback for Liverpool would be the lofty asking price from the La Liga outfit with the growing interest from the Premier League.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson provided the Reds with a preview of what he could offer after his displays against Liverpool in the Europa League. The European cup winner has been on their radar after scouts were left impressed by his showings, Tuttosport reported in May.

There has been multiple reports regarding Ederson and a move to Anfield with a suggestion that a £38million bid would be coming from Liverpool. However, nothing has been forthcoming.

The 25-year-old has spoken about adapting to an attacking high-press philosophy and charted well in tackles as well as interceptions. He said: "The coach told me to be more aggressive, as I had some pace and power, so I needed to use those characteristics more. This season, I got a more used to the high press, so I was able to be more attacking too and added that to my game as well."