No pre-contract agreement with Juventus for Emre Can

Emre Can, contrary to reports from Italy, has not signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.

The German midfielder's Liverpool contract expires in June, allowing him to negotiate with other clubs ahead of a summer move. Can will be a free agent at the end of the season unless he signs a new deal.

Juventus have been reported as being the front-runners to secure his signature with growing speculation that Can has penned an agreement with the Italian side.

However, we understand Can will not be signing a pre-contract agreement, continuing further talks with Liverpool. Can is willing to commit to extending his contract, however a major stumbling block has been the fact he has asked for a release clause to be negotiated into an improved deal.

Liverpool and the company that represent Can - International Soccer Management - will continue contract talks for the rest of the season. The club, however, will have to compromise on their stance of not allowing release clauses in players' contracts.

The only current player in the squad to have a definitive release clause in his contract is Roberto Firmino - who signed in 2015. His release clause, valued at £82m, is due to be removed in a new deal that will be offered this summer.

Can is willing to wait till the end of the season, allowing for further negotiations with Liverpool to take place, before deciding on his future - this despite reports emerging from Italy that he has an agreement already in place with Juventus, who have made their interest in him public.

The current contract impasse could be concluded fairly swiftly, if the Reds' stance softens and they agree to the insertion of a release clause. The club is in fact confident talks with Can's representatives will progress, with growing belief that they can come to an agreement with the 24-year-old.

Following Liverpool's win over Manchester City on Sunday, Can told German media: "I was feeling ill this morning. I then took a lot of medicine and was convinced that it would work out.

"I am still here. I'm under contract and the rest is the business of my agent.

Update: Following breaking this story, Can told the ECHO: “My agent is looking after everything but I am here until the summer.

“I haven’t signed anything (with Juventus) or anyone. I am talking with everyone.

“Of course I am talking with Liverpool. I still have a contract here. It is an amazing club. What can I say? My agent does the rest.

“I just concentrate on the season, on my performance and the football. I will give everything for this team.”