Celtic and Wolves could make transfer 'move' for €15m EPL star as one particular club 'attractive' to ace

Celtic have been credited with interest in one of Liverpool’s fringe players as the Premier League powerhouses continue forward in this promising new chapter under Arne Slot.

The Merseyside outfit are currently leading the Premier League title race with a five-goal cushion between them and reigning champions Manchester City. They have also pulled away from Arsenal, who now nine adrift of the top of the table.

Many expected the Reds to oversee a huge squad transformation over the summer, following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. However, the majority of senior players from last season remain at Anfield and are operating well under their new manager. There could well be a number of transfers on the cards for next year though, as three players are approaching the end of their contracts and several fringe players have also been attracting attention.

Celtic were initially interested in signing Caoimhin Kelleher to replace Joe Hart and now, they are reportedly keeping tabs on Wataru Endō as well. That’s according to CaughtOffside, who have reported that the midfielder is looking for alternative opportunities next season due to a lack of game time at Liverpool.

The Reds signed Endō in 2023 following a midfield exodus at Anfield. As the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left the club, Liverpool made Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia their key targets but failed to sign both of them. Endō was brought in as the pressure to find a replacement in the No.6 position mounted but he has since slipped down the pecking order under Slot.

CaughtOffside also previously reported that Liverpool are now ‘ready to listen’ to offers in the region of €15-20 million (£12-16m) for the 31-year-old. The Japanese international is open to the idea of a move to a club who can ‘guarantee him regular playing time’.

A number of clubs have already registered their interest in Endō, including some of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals. Celtic have been named in the running alongside the likes of Milan, Fulham, Wolves and Ipswich Town. All mentioned clubs ‘could look to make a move’ for Endō in the ‘near future’.

It is said that Milan could be an ‘attractive’ destination in Endō’s eyes but the bulk of the decision will likely come from who can meet Liverpool’s asking price. The Merseyside club already reportedly rejected Marseille during the summer after they offered €14 million (£11.5m) for his signature.

Liverpool first signed the midfielder from Stuttgart last August for a fee of £16 million. Their reported asking price would see them recoup the initial fee paid for him. This season, Endō has made just eight appearances in all competitions, with the majority of his time on the pitch coming from off the bench. He has played just 19 minutes of Premier League action so far.