Emre Can edges closer to Liverpool departure as transfer saga set to conclude

Emre Can is nearing a move to Juventus as the midfielder looks to depart Liverpool following the conclusion of his contract this summer.

According to reports, the German international, who has been linked with a move to Juventus for months, is prepared to finally agree terms to a deal in Turin.

Can’s contract at Liverpool runs out this summer, with the Reds making every effort to convince him to sign an extension on an improved deal.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star’s insistence on the club including a release clause in any new deal is believed to be a significant factor in talks stalling between both parties.

However, Juventus have offered Can - who was not included in Germany’s World Cup squad after being injured since March - a five-year contract in Italy, that will see him earn close to £85,000-a-week.

It is believed Juventus have also inserted a release clause in the Reds midfielder’s contract, a step Liverpool were unwilling to take in fear it may encourage other players to do the same.

Can’s departure, whilst out-of-contract, means Liverpool will receive nothing in return for the move, a dire situation considering his improvement at Anfield since a £10million move from Germany in 2014.

A number of clubs had enquired about the 24-year-old’s availability, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. But, as it always appeared, Juventus is Can’s preferred destination as he takes the next step in his career.

No announcement is expected from either club until after Liverpool’s Champions League final against Real Madrid on May 26.

Can, who was a surprise inclusion in Liverpool’s training camp in Marbella, still hopes he can recover in time from a back injury to be involved in Kiev.

Speaking on Thursday, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “Emre is here, that’s good – having him in the group is always good, a fantastic boy. We will see what we can do with him, there’s still a little bit of work to do, but good to have him here.”

Can has divided opinion amongst Liverpool supporters since his arrival, with many believing he is still somewhat of an enigma who hasn’t impressed on a consistent basis - and others believing he may be the Reds’ finest midfielder from the current crop.

Despite his injury woes keeping him sidelined for the best part of two months, Can has enjoyed a career-high of six goals and five assists to his name this campaign.

With Can’s inevitable exit, Jurgen Klopp is expected to add more midfield reinforcements this summer, alongside incoming Naby Keita, who arrives from RB Leipzig in July for a fee of £52.75m, as agreed last year.