Endo's Japan teammate: Romano names player Liverpool scouted 'multiple times'

Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are tracking Ko Itakura. The Reds "have sent their scouts multiple times to follow Itakura’s performances," the reporter says.

"Tottenham also monitored him as Ange Postecoglou wanted Ko at Celtic."

The 26-year-old plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he's made 34 appearances across one and a half seasons. He's capable of playing both at centre-back and defensive midfielder.

Itakura was on Man City's books for three years, between 2019 and 2022, but didn't make a single appearance as the Citizens shipped him out on various loans.

He's a teammate of Wataru Endo at the Japan national team. He has earned 22 caps with the Samurai Blue.