Liverpool will have to fight to keep hold of contract rebel Emre Can, admits Jurgen Klopp
German international is free agent next summer and with no deal agreed with Liverpool the midfielder can pen a lucrative pre-contract with an overseas club in January
LIVERPOOL are in a battle to keep Emre Can, admits Jurgen Klopp.
The German international is out of contract at the end of the season and talks have reached an impasse with the Merseysiders about a new deal.
A stumbling block seems to be Can and his representatives wanting a release clause inserted into any new deal agreed with the Anfield top brass.
The 23-year-old is in a strong negotiating position as Liverpool are desperate to keep him, while he is free to pen a lucrative pre-contract with an overseas club in January.
Italian giants Juventus look to be in pole-positon for the all-action midfielder, with Manchester City reportedly monitoring his situation.
But Klopp, speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Chelsea, is adamant there is still hope the former Bayer Leverkusen star could extend his stay on Merseyside.
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Klopp said: “I said he could still sign a contract in May.
“We want to keep him, we have to be as attractive as possible as a club.”
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The German boss then turned his thoughts to the champions' visit to Liverpool this weekend and had sympathy for Antonio Conte's side, who have fought back after a difficult start to the season.
Klopp added: “They lost decisive players with Matic and Costa.
“With Chelsea last year, everything worked, they didn’t need many chances to win a game.
“It’s difficult to play the same season again, especially when you lose players.”