Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Emre Can, aiming to sign the German midfielder on a free transfer in the summer.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Manchester City have expressed their interest in Emre Can, who looks set to end his Liverpool stint in the summer. The Citizens have joined Juventus in pursuit of the German midfielder, who would be available for free.
Can has slowly gone about becoming one of the better midfielders in the Premier League, growing in promising fashion under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp. The player seems to have found his calling as a deep lying midfielder, who can act as an anchor man in front of the back-line.
Can has also gone on to add more goals to his game, finding the back of the net four times in addition to three assists in 27 appearances this season. But, the current campaign could just turn out to be his final one for Liverpool, who have been desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal.
Emre Can vs Jordan Henderson: Premier League stats this season. pic.twitter.com/tjUZRd15mj
— LFC Globe (@LFCGlobe) January 16, 2018
Can has just six months remaining on his current deal with the Reds, and it is widely expected that the player will end up calling time on his stint at Anfield in the summer. With Can likely to be available for free, clubs are now starting to line up in his pursuit, with Manchester City the latest suitors to court him.
Pep Guardiola does have a gamut of options in midfield, although they are all creative players, with just Fernandinho someone who can sit in front of the defensive unit to keep things tight. The interest in Can, thus, makes sense for Manchester City, who are set to make their move soon.
But, Manchester City face stiff competition in the race to sign Can, with Juventus a more long-term suitor. The Bianconeri have been in pursuit of Can since for the better part of 2017, with club CEO Giuseppe Marotta confirming that they now intend to sign him in the summer.
Juventus, like Manchester City, lack a holding midfielder who can shore up midfield and defence, making Can a viable target. But, Bayern Munich also seem to be interested in Can, who is eager to return to his boyhood club, although Juventus and Manchester City are showing more concrete interest.
Can recently pledged his immediate future to Liverpool, although he gave no indication towards signing a renewal. It now remains to be seen if Liverpool can manage to hold on the player, or if Manchester City or Juventus swoop him away for free in the summer.
