Liverpool refuse Emre Can contract request: Kop future looking bleak after latest stall

LIVERPOOL have refused to agree to Emre Can’s request for a release clause in any new deal.

Liverpool do not want the player having a clause that would allow one of Europe’s top clubs to snatch him at any time for a set fee.

But Can is insisting on it which has led to a stalemate in talks that have been going on for months.

Can, 23, has less than a year left on his current deal at Anfield which means he could leave for nothing next summer.

Liverpool now have plenty of competition in the central midfield now after looking threadbare for some time, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought in from Arsenal on deadline day after rejecting Chelsea because he prefers playing in the centre.

Naby Keita will join from RB Leipzig next year, whilst Adam Lallana is still recovering from injury.

The length of time these contract talks have been ongoing suggest either Emre Can is playing extreme hardball or has already made his decision to leave Liverpool.

It will be interesting to see how Jurgen Klopp handles the player, who both finished last season and started this season in good form.

His 'goal of the season' last year against Watford won the game for the reds at a crucial period of the season in the quest for Champions League, and the reds have not lost a competitive game since.

Liverpool paid just under £10M for the player following the departure of Luis Suarez (ironically after his release clause was activated by Barcelona).  He has 10 goals from 133 appearances in his 3 years at Anfield.