Transfer talk: Liverpool agree to sign Emre Can from Leverkusen

Liverpool confirmed on Thursday they would be signing the 20-year-old midfielder away from the Bundesliga's Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Germany Under-21 midfielder Emre Can, the Premier League runners-up confirmed on Thursday.

The 20-year-old, who made 39 appearances in all competitions since joining Leverkusen last season, has a £10m ($16m) release clause in his contract.

In a short statement Liverpool said: “Liverpool have today agreed a deal in principle with Bayer Leverkusen to sign 20-year-old Emre Can, subject to documentation being completed.”

Frankfurt-born Can, who is of Turkish descent and can also play in defence, joined Leverkusen from Bayern Munich last summer, helping them to fourth in the Bundesliga and secure Champions League qualification.

Can made seven appearances in Europe’s elite competition during 2013-14, and has previously played at the European Under-21 Championship and the Under-17 World Cup.

Leverkusen’s chief executive Michael Schade, confirming the deal, said the club were powerless to keep the player once his release clause was met.

“Emre Can has developed very quickly at Bayer 04 Leverkusen over the past 12 months,” he told the club’s website.

“We wanted to keep Emre at Leverkusen but the release clause is part of his contract.

“So we wish him all the best and lots of success in his time in the Premier League.”

England striker Rickie Lambert was confirmed on Monday as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the summer transfer window.

The club are also reportedly trying to sign Sevilla’s 21-year-old left-back Alberto Moreno.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have taken another step towards the redevelopment of Anfield by submitting a formal planning application which will be considered by Liverpool City Council later this year.

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