Can to leave Liverpool

It looks like bad news for Liverpool fans as Emre Can edges closer to the exit door at Anfield, reports the Daily Mail.

The Germany international has cemented his place in the first team over the past two seasons, but talks over extending his contract have reached gridlock.

Can's current deal expires at the end of the season, and he will be allowed to discuss terms with foreign clubs from Jan. 1. Juventus lead the race for his signature, while Bayern Munich are also interested in bringing the 23-year-old back to the Bundesliga.

Can's talks with Liverpool have apparently broken down over the midfielder's insistence on inserting a release clause. Liverpool included no such escape route in Philippe Coutinho's contract when he re-signed in January, and have thus far refused to accept Can's demands.

Goretzka to replace Can?

One player who could be Liverpool-bound as a potential replacement for Emre Can is talented Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka, the Daily Mirror claims.

As with his compatriot, the Germany international is out of contract next summer and looks certain to leave Schalke after failing to agree a new deal.

Goretzka has been in fine form for club and country in 2017, alerting Liverpool to his impending availability. The Reds face stiff competition, however, with Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus also readying offers.

The 22-year-old could be allowed to leave in January as Schalke consider cashing in on their star prospect rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.

City eye Bertrand swoop

Ryan Bertrand is being lined up for a £30 million move to Manchester City, according to The Sun.

The report states that Pep Guardiola is a keen admirer of the England international and has sent scouts to check on his performances on several occasions.

With Benjamin Mendy expected to be ruled out for the season with a knee injury, City are light in the left-back department and will look to strengthen in January.

Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam is another target, but any hopes of completing a deal in the near future have been dashed by the cruciate ligament tear he suffered against City in the Champions League this week.

Ghoulam could still move to the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in the summer, but Bertrand is the favoured option as Guardiola aims to build on an impressive start to the season.

Shaw to Southampton?

What the transfer window merry-go-round taketh with one hand, it giveth with the other.

While Bertrand could be poached by Manchester City, Luke Shaw may be on his way back to Southampton following a difficult spell at Manchester United.

Shaw's relationship with Jose Mourinho has become increasingly strained this season, The Sun reports, as the United boss prepares to send the left-back out on loan in January.

It's thought that Tottenham would be Shaw's preferred destination, but a short-term switch to Southampton may be exactly what the 22-year-old needs to revive his flagging World Cup hopes.

Tap-ins

- Stefan de Vrij remains on Liverpool's shortlist as Lazio try to convince the centre-back to sign a new deal, claims TalkSport. The Dutch international is set to hold contract talks this week, with Juventus also monitoring the situation.

- Also according to The Sun, Arsenal are plotting a bid for Napoli midfield star Jorginho. The Gunners will have to put up a fight for the Brazilian-born Italy international, whose contract at the Stadio San Paolo runs until 2020.

- Chelsea remain on the trail of Red Star Belgrade striker Richmond Boakye, reports the London Evening Standard. The 24-year-old, who was once on Juventus' roster, has been in fine goalscoring form since moving to Serbia in 2016.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by MATTHEW STANGER

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]