The Germany international has started three Premier League games so far this term but his long-term future is uncertain.

Can is only tied down at Anfield until next June and Starsport understands he is unwilling to sign a new contract unless Liverpool agree to include a release clause in it.

Juventus have been credited with serious interest in getting Can on-board as a replacement for countryman Sami Khedira.

Barnes, who won two league titles with Liverpool, has questioned the 23-year-old’s chances of moving up a level if he does head for the exit door.

Asked if he was surprised Can hasn’t put pen to paper on a contract extension, Barnes told Tribal Football: "I don't know Emre Can. I don't know what he's been offered. But in terms of what he has done at Liverpool, maybe I am surprised because is he going to go on from Liverpool to a bigger club? I don't know. And I think Liverpool are a good club for him to be at.

"But he's decided not to sign, so once again, its about winning football matches, not worrying about if Emre Can is going to be here in January or next year. It's about worrying about the match on Saturday.

"We have to stop being so political about if and when rather than thinking about the weeks ahead or the coming months. Yes, he hasn't signed a new contract but he'll still give 100 per cent when he plays for Liverpool, as will [Philippe] Coutinho so I'm not worried about what may happen in the future I'm more worried about the present."

Liverpool star Emre Can has entered the final 12 months of his current Anfield deal
Jurgen Klopp has seen midfielder Emre Can reject the chance to sign a new contract at Liverpool

Can is in contention to feature for Liverpool when they play host to Burnley this weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s side won their encounter with the Clarets in March having suffered defeat at Turf Moor last August.

Liverpool sit seventh in the Premier League, a place behind Burnley, going into Saturday’s fixture.