Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp concedes clubs could swoop for Emre Can as he confirms stalemate over deal: 'We have to respect an ending contract'

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Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool and Emre Can are locked in a contract stalemate which could allow some of Europe's top clubs to swoop for the midfielder in January.

The Germany international's current deal expires next summer and he is yet to pen an extension at Anfield.

The Liverpool boss was quick to play down the severity of the situation — claiming not to be flustered by it — and was adamant that it would not cause a problem as long as Can continues to focus on the job at hand.

Jurgen Klopp has conceded that clubs could swoop for Emre Can amid contract stalemate

The midfielder's contract expires next summer and has reached an impasse with the club

However, when asked whether the prospect of some of Europe's elite coming in for the midfielder in January worries him, Klopp replied: 'If it happens like this, we cannot change this.

'If there's a player out there with a contract ending next summer and he's good, like Emre obviously is, then we should try to do the same. That's an opportunity for all of us.

'What could I do now? I could say it's a big problem, but it isn't. 

The Reds boss attempted to play down the situation, saying it was a 'normal' position to be in

Klopp said both the club and the player would be to blame if the contract eventually ran down

The Germany international scored during Liverpool's 3-0 win over Maribor on Wednesday 

'I could say "we have to sort this now", put pressure on the player, put pressure on the club. People are not concerned anymore and then they are angry, it makes no sense.

'We have to respect an ending contract. If a contract ends there are two sides that could have done things differently: one side is the club, the other is the player.

'Now we've talked already too much about it. It's a normal situation.'