In one of the more surprising and unlikely transfer rumours of the summer, Emre Can is reportedly being targeted by two Premier League clubs.
It would appear that, even after the closing of the summer transfer window, the rumour mill refuses to go away and, according to reports in Italy, Liverpool's German midfielder is being eyed up by both Chelsea and Manchester United.
Tuttosport report, via Sport Witness, that Bayern Munich have also entered the race for the former Bayer Leverkusen man, who is out of contract at Anfield in less than a year's time.
Advert
Can's current contract situation could potentially mean that the 23-year-old leaves Anfield for nothing next July and could even begin negotiating a pre-contract agreement with a new club as early as January.
Can has been one of Jurgen Klopp's most important players over the past two years. Images: PA
Advert
Liverpool have tried tying Can down to a new deal for the last few months but as of yet no progress has been made, which originally alerted Juventus to the Germany international's availability, although the Turin club then decided to sign Blaise Matuidi from Paris Saint-Germain to strengthen their midfield, seemingly ending their interest in Can.
Given that United have strengthened their midfield with Nemanja Matic already, it would seem unlikely that Jose Mourinho would feel the need to add Can to his ranks as well, with the United boss also having Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera at his disposal.
The German midfielder has worried Anfield bosses by refusing to commit to a new deal, with his current contract expiring next summer. Image: PA
Advert
Chelsea meanwhile, have signed Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater to their squad, this summer, although Sport Witness report that Drinkwater may not have been manager Antonio Conte's first choice midfield option and could decide to make a move for Can in the new year ahead of a bosman signing, next summer.
Can has made 132 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Leverkusen in a £12 million deal, in 2014, scoring 10 goals and establishing himself in Germany's national team setup.
Until Can puts pen to paper on a new deal at Anfield (or decides not make the move elsewhere), expect these rumours to rumble on for a good few months, yet.
(H/T Sport Witness)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Emre Can, Bayern Munich, Liverpool FC