Liverpool line up Leon Goretzka as fellow Germany midfielder Emre Can nears Anfield exit
Schalke star's contract ends next summer and the Bundesliga club could cash in this January - with Barcelona, Man Utd, Arsenal and Juventus also interested
LIVERPOOL are reportedly keen to replace Emre Can with fellow Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka.
Can seems likely to reject a new Reds' deal - while Schalke could cash in on Goretzka in January before his contract expires next summer.
But the Mirror say the Reds must fend off clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus for the 22-year-old, who has 12 caps.
Schalke, fifth in the Bundesliga, have built their side around the central midfielder, who many tip to be a major force at the World Cup finals in Russia next summer.
The Germans offered him a new deal in the close season.
But, as Euro giants began to hover, Goretzka seemed to become more reluctant to sign.
His impressive form includes four goals in his last three games.
And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp might see him as an upgrade on Can.
UNCANNY Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp admits club are struggling to tie Emre Can down to new deal as Europe giants brace themselves for contract talks
Klopp is also determined to move forward with certainty rather than keep negotiating with a player whose demands seem to have moved little since he was first offered a new deal in June 2016.
Can is thought to want a release clause in any new contract - something the Reds are reportedly always keen to resist.
Not even major Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho had such a stipulation in his latest deal, a five-year contract worth around £8million a year that he signed as recently as January.
Can, 23, will be free to start talking to other clubs in the new year, with Juventus his most persistent admirers.
But he has maintained his focus on helping the Reds reach the Champions league knockout phase.
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