Juventus Chief Confirms Summer Offer for Emre Can, Casts Doubt on January Move
Juventus chief executive Beppe Marotta has revealed that the Italian champions did make an offer to lure Emre Can from Liverpool to Italy in the summer - but confirmed that the Reds were unwilling to do business.
Can - who was left on the bench for Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Sunday - is in the final year of his current contract at Anfield. And despite talks beginning over an extension, the club and the player's representatives have been unable to come to an agreement as yet. Juve are believed to still be keen, and may return to offer Can a summer escape route.
The future arrival of RB Leipzig star Naby Keita is sure to make competition for places in Liverpool's midfield even stronger next season, and what Can plans to do beyond this campaign is as yet unknown.
While Juve may return for the player down the line, Marotta confirmed to Premium Sport - via the Star - that he doesn't believe they'll be able to sign him during midseason.
"We don’t think we are going to make a big signing in January. Our team is absolutely competitive and we have some very interesting midfielders like (Rodrigo) Bentancur who has already showed his qualities.
"We have faith in this team and in these lads. As for Emre Can, I don’t think Liverpool will sell him in January. We made an offer for him in the summer but they didn’t sell him so I don’t think they’ll change their mind in the middle of the season.”
Can joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for around £10m in 2014.
