Top 5 replacements for Emre Can

Enter capti — Could Emre Can be on his way out of Merseyside next summer?

Following rumours linking the midfielder with a Juventus move earlier this summer and continuing contract-renewal issues, Emre Can is thought to be heading for the Liverpool exit door at the end of the season. It is believed that the German has refused the notion of a release clause being inserted into his contract.

Consequently, it appears that Can sees his future elsewhere, although he would likely hope that he is to have more success in the pursuit of a move away than team-mate Philippe Coutinho, whose expected switch to Barcelona this season never materialised.

RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita has already agreed to sign for the Merseyside club next year, whilst Leicester City tabled a bid of £13 million during the summer for James Milner, only for the midfielder to stay at the club. Keita is looking increasingly attacking-orientated and if Milner were to leave at the end of the season, Liverpool would be left with just Jordan Henderson as an obvious, first-team holding midfielder.

Here's a look at five potential midfield targets Liverpool may look to target if Can is to depart...

1) Leon Goretzka - FC Schalke 04

Ente — Goretzka is one of FC Schalke's key players

In a potential 'one German for another' deal, dynamic midfielder Leon Goretzka could be the idyllic replacement for Emre Can. With the 22-year-old out of contract in 2018, Liverpool could even snap up the young talent for nothing.

Tall, intelligent with the ball and dangerous at set-pieces, Goretzka is a player who could fit Jurgen Klopp's high-pressing game. He has been in fine form for both club and country this year, alerting many clubs such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester United. The Reds face stiff competiton for Goretzka's signature, but Jurgen Klopp's influence could prove to be the decisive factor, if Liverpool make a move. It would be a brilliant recoup for the Reds if they were to land Goretzka for free next summer.