Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is attracting attention from a number of rival Premier League clubs, our Football Insider Graeme Bailey understands.

The 23-year-old has opened contract talks with The Reds, but is understood to be stalling on a new deal.

Can has been with Liverpool since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014 and has become an important squad member, but is not considered a first-choice in Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

With his current deal due to expire in 2018 – Liverpool want to protect their asset with a new deal, but if he does not sign, he could be sold on this summer.

Our Football Insider Graeme Bailey told us: “I understand that Liverpool want Can to stay and will be giving him a pay-rise, but they will not be breaking the bank for him – that is for sure.

“I have been told Liverpool are quite calm about the situation but are frustrated that it seems Can and his people are going public now, and I would not be surprised to see him sold this summer – one thing for sure is that Liverpool won’t be held to ransom over this.

“I know a number of Premier League rivals are keen but clubs in Spain, Italy and also back in Germany are keeping abreast of the situation.”

Money not an issue

Can himself has already insisted that this issue is not related to money, despite recent reports.

‘We’ve had a few good meetings and everything is fine. I am happy at Liverpool. You never know what will happen in football but I am happy and still contracted here,” he said.

“Everything is fine and I just wanted to say it is never about the money. It is about the future, what happens. The last few months, the most important thing has been that I am pain-free (from a calf issue) and we have spoken more about that than the contract.”

4/5 for Can to leave Liverpool this summer

Next club:
Bayer Leverkusen 3/1
Hoffenheim 7/2
Leipzig 4/1
Borussia Dortmund 6/1
PSG 10/1
Roma 12/1
AC Milan 16/1
Man City 20/1
Man Utd 25/1