Liverpool make Wataru Endo decision after Marseille bid falls short

Liverpool are unwilling to weaken their midfield in the transfer window with the Marseille bid for Wataru Endo nowhere near their valuation.

The Ligue 1 giants put an offer in for Endo but it was swiftly rejected a couple of weeks ago.

That is because Roberto De Zerbi’s side only offered £12 million which is less than what they want for the midfielder, according to Football Insider.

They signed Endo for £16.2 million at the start of last season so it is no surprise that Marseille’s initial offer was rejected as Liverpool would be at a loss.

LIVERPOOL MAKE DECISION ON ENDO

Endo turned into a key man for Liverpool last season after playing 44 games in all competitions, standing out in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

He was the only natural option as a defensive midfielder due to the fact Stefan Bajcetic was injured and Alexis Mac Allister is more used to being further forward.

Even though Bajcetic and Tyler Morton are now in the senior side set-up, it appears that Arne Slot doesn't want Endo to leave.

The club have been linked with several midfielders but if Endo were to depart it would force their hand in the window.

He started the first game of pre-season against Real Betis alongside Curtis Jones. With no Jurgen Klopp, all of the Liverpool players need to adapt to a new system under Slot.

Endo didn’t have the most impressive of 45 minutes as he struggled to build out from the back.

It will be interesting to see if Slot sees him as a first-choice after the entirety of pre-season but nevertheless, he wants to keep hold of him, even as a steady back-up.

If a bigger offer comes in it may test Liverpool’s resolve as he is 31-years-old but his contract is until 2027. Therefore The Reds will want a profit after just signing him a year ago.