Liverpool has reportedly rejected a bid for Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo just 12 months after it signed him from Stuttgart.
The 31-year-old arrived on a four-year deal for $20.8million (£16.2million/€19.2million) as part of a major midfield rebuild under Jurgen Klopp last summer, becoming one of four signings alongside Dominik Szoboszlai , Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch .
Endo failed to cement his place in the side as a regular starter but still made an impressive 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and grabbing one assist from central midfield and helping the Reds to claim the Carabao Cup .
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However, doubts have been cast over whether Endo is the defensive midfielder Arne Slot needs ahead of his first season in charge of the Reds, although Liverpool has claimed it is not actively looking to sell the Japanese player as things stand.
And that appears to ring true for now, with Liverpool rejecting an offer of $15.1m (£11.8m/€13.9m) from French outfit Marseille, according to the Daily Mail - a fee that was less than what they paid for him last year. It remains unclear if they Ligue 1 side will return with a second bid, however.
Should Liverpool ever accept a bid from Marseille, then a move to the south of France would see the Japanese midfielder link up with controversial former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood, who recently arrived at the club for $34.2m (£26.6m/€31.5m) after a lengthy court case saw him accused of assault and attempted rape. All criminal charges against him were ultimately dropped - but the Reds Devils faced pressure to offload the player, ultimately selling him to Ligue 1.
Les Phoceens, who are now managed by former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi, also has former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba and Watford winger Ismaila Sarr among its ranks, along with ex- Aston Villa players Jordan Veretout and Jordan Amavi.
As things stand, however, Liverpool appears likely to keep hold of Endo, at least until they find a suitable replacement for the Japanese. But due to his age, there are doubts from some of the Anfield faithful over his long-term solution in his position.
Endo arrived as a relative unknown 12 months ago but was highly regarded as one of the standout midfielders in the Bundesliga following three seasons with Stuttgart in which he made more than 130 appearances. His ability to read the game and reputation as a prolific ball-winner were two reasons behind his move to Anfield.
While playing in Germany, he topped the Bundesliga for most duels, and second for possession won and tackles. However, those same performances didn't quite replicate themselves in the Premier League for Liverpool last season, and it's now unclear where his future may lie.
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