Juventus given green light to pursue Liverpool midfielder

Serie A champions Juventus are prepared to test Liverpool’s resolve this summer after midfielder Emre Can turned down the opportunity to sign a new contract. The Germany international is currently on a short-term break following his Confederations Cup triumph earlier last month.

According to Premium Sport h/t Tuttomercato, the Bianconeri are hoping to take advantage of Can’s situation as they look to add a new central midfielder to their ranks. The Italian champions were initially eyeing a move for Chelsea outcast Nemanja Matic, but his £40m valuation has put them off from making an offer.

As a result, they have shifted their attention towards Can, who has just 12 months left on his Anfield contract. Can has produced a mixed bag during his three-year spell at Liverpool, but he still remains a favourite under Jurgen Klopp, who was prepared to start him in crunch games last season.

Can is currently on a weekly wage package of around £35,000 a week, and he is said to want at least two times the figure in his new contract – something which the Reds do not agree upon considering his performances.

Klopp would be prepared to risk the midfielder for the final year of his contract, but Juventus are still expected to lodge a £26m bid in order to convince the Reds into a potential sale this summer.

The Old Lady have lost key players in the form of Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves in the transfer window, but they appear to be making up the numbers after having recruited Mattia de Sciglio to replace the latter.

Max Allegri’s side have also placed emphasis on bolstering the attack front with Federico Bernardeschi having recently arrived from Fiorentina for an initial fee of £36m.

Juventus have dominated the Serie A by lifting the trophy in each of the last six seasons, but they could face their toughest challenge yet this campaign with AC Milan spending big to bridge the gap to the top.

Image – Getty