Jurgen Klopp‘s former side Borussia Dortmund are planning a move to sign Liverpool midfielder Emre Can when his contract runs out next summer.
Can will be free to begin negotiations with foreign clubs in January, with his deal with the Reds set to expire in 2018.
While the 23-year-old has been in continued talks with Liverpool over an extension, no breakthrough has been made, and it now seems highly likely he will depart after four seasons.
And according to the Times‘ Paul Joyce, Dortmund have joined Can’s list of suitors, with the Reds coming to terms with his imminent exit.
This comes with the club adamant they won’t include a release clause in any new contract for the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, who is also looking for parity with his high-earning team-mates.
“Dortmund want a holding midfielder for next season, and Can has previously said that that is his preferred position,” Joyce explains.
“Furthermore, Can’s agent, Reza Fazeli, represents Dortmund coach Peter Bosz as well as midfielders Mahmoud Dahoud and Nuri Sahin.”
Can making the move to the Westfalenstadion would be something of a surprise, as he had been expected to join Juventus, who have been pursuing the player since the beginning of 2017.
The No. 23 has remained a key part of Jurgen Klopp‘s plans this season, making 15 appearances, including 14 starts, scoring three goals and assisting a further two.
His performances has been particularly strong this term, and Klopp is eager to retain his services beyond next summer.
Speaking at the beginning of November, Steven Gerrard questioned Can’s desire to leave Liverpool, highlighting his development under Klopp.
“Could there be a situation where he leaves thinking the grass is greener on the other side and maybe makes the wrong decision?” he asked.
“I think you make a decision like that if you’re unhappy, if you’re not playing, if the fans aren’t having you—in a situation like that, I understand if they move.
“But if you’re happy, the manager’s having you, you’re playing, you’re getting offered a good deal, I don’t see any reason why he needs to make the move.”
The Reds are already set to welcome Naby Keita to the squad next summer, having agreed a £55 million deal with RB Leipzig, and have also been linked with Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz.
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