Emre Can looks ever more likely to leave Liverpool and Juventus are reportedly in the lead to sign the midfielder.

The Bianconeri have been pushing to sign Can for some time now and Juve director Beppe Marotta previously confirmed the clubs interest in the player although it’s believed that Fabio Paratici has long been keen on the player.

The German International is into the last year of his contract and was initially reported to have agreed terms on a new deal, however it was later confirmed that talks between the players agent and Liverpool are ongoing with no new deal in sight. A suggestion in the Liverpool press alluded to issues over a buyout clause being inserted into the contact, and this may have been a stumbling block to any agreement.

With the 23-year-old looking increasingly likely to depart the club next summer, a number of clubs have begun expressing their interest in the player, the latest being Bayern Munich. When asked about Can, current Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes offered his thoughts on the midfielder:

“I only had Emre Can for a few months. He is a good, young player who has developed well — he is dynamic and powerful.”

Despite interest from the Germans as well as Manchester United and Chelsea, it seems Juve may have an edge in the race to sign the versatile midfielder. According to ESPN, Juve are currently the favourites to sign the player, should he fail to agree a contract extension that keeps him on Merseyside.

With Sami Khedira nearing the end of his playing days, Can, his international teammate, is seen as a possible long term successor for the Juventus midfield, given that the two share similar playing characteristics and have operated in the same sort of position at both club and international level for Germany.

Can is able to start negotiations 58 days before his contract is due end, meaning he can begin talks over signing a pre-contract during the upcoming January transfer break. The midfielder previously hinted at a possible future in Italy with Juventus, calling it an honour to receive an offer from a renowned club such as Juve.

The Daily Mail report that Liverpool are resigned to losing Can for free next summer but will keep him at the club until June to help them progress in the Champions League where they look on course to progress to the last 16 following a handsome victory over Maribor.

Juve could be looking to reinforce in the centre of the pitch next summer while parting with a number of squad players. Kwadwo Asamoah’s future remains uncertain and he may yet move to Galatasary following their strong interest in the Ghanaian during the summer. Stefano Sturaro has remained on the fringes of the team, largely playing as a substitute or being shoe-horned in at right-back during Champions League matches. Rodrigo Bentancur remained at the club this summer and played in a number of matches, but he may go out on loan to gain more regular experience.