Liverpool lining up move to REPLACE Wataru Endo

Liverpool are seemingly lining up a deal to replace Wataru Endo in the long-term.

The Japanese midfielder has surprised a lot of people two years into his career at Anfield. Endo has become a player few Liverpool fans were excited for to a cult figure.

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In the process, he's lifted several trophies, including becoming a Premier League champion and he's won over Arne Slot.

The Dutchman was initially sceptical about using Endo, and after a difficult pre-season it looked like his future was away from Anfield last summer.

But the Reds failed to sign Martin Zubimendi and Endo stayed put. In the process, he won over Slot throughout last season and was even used as a centre-back at times, proving to be a very valuable utility player.

It's expected he will remain at Liverpool again. But in the long-term the Reds may already be lining up a move to secure his successor from within the club's academy.

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According to the Daily Mail, Slot is a huge fan of James McConnell and he has promised the youngster more game time at the beginning of this year.

It was game time similar to that Endo's role in the team according to the report. This summer the report claims a loan is possibly on the cards for McConnell but that he's expected to be given a chance in pre-season as well.

This is an interesting move. McConnell is a very similar player to Endo and it's clear that Slot rates him very highly. In fact out of the club's academy players it's probably McConnell who is in the highest regard from the club's current coaching staff, particularly Slot.

While in the short-term it's clear that Endo is going to be staying at the club. Right now McConnell is behind the Japanese captain in the current pecking order, but in the long-term Liverpool are clearly preparing him to be his ready-made replacement.

Promises of an increased role in the team and a potential loan are also moves to get McConnell ready to replace Endo in the future.

Still only 20-years-old, he's definitely got a long way to go yet, but it's easy to see why McConnell would be a useful player in the squad.

Just like Endo, he is mouldable and very versatile. Under Slot, he's already played as a right-back and as a central midfielder for Liverpool's first team.

Under Klopp, McConnell was used as a no.6.

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He may never become a first choice for Liverpool but as a squad player, McConnell could be the club's next Endo. And he may be even better for that role considering his homegrown status which will be extremely valuable for the Reds for years to come.