Emre Can's contract impasse at Liverpool continues as German star demands a release clause in new deal

• e-mail

Emre Can's contract stand-off with Liverpool remains unresolved due to the club not agreeing to his request for a release clause.

The Germany international has started the season in outstanding form but he is now in the final 10 months of his current deal and will be free to talk to clubs in Europe from January 1.

Can, who was the subject of interest from Juventus during the summer window, has been in discussions with Liverpool about a new contract for more than 12 months – the first offer was made in June 2016 – and he has repeatedly said the impasse has nothing to do with money.

Midfielder Emre Can's contract stand-off with Liverpool remains unresolved

The German international is now in the final 10 months of his current deal

He has asked, though, for a clause but Liverpool will not insert one. 

They took the same stance with Philippe Coutinho when he signed a new contract in January and that decision paid off this summer with Barcelona failing with repeated attempts to sign the Brazilian.

Jurgen Klopp is relaxed about the situation and made it clear in the summer he would rather let Can leave for nothing in 12 months than sell him now, just to receive a transfer fee. 

Liverpool have refused to agree to the German's request for a release clause in his new deal

That move has been vindicated with the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder starring in the opening weeks.

Discussions will continue with Can, who cost Liverpool £10million when he arrived in the summer of 2014, with Liverpool refusing to give up on the idea he will eventually commit his future but it is clear there is still a lot to be done before that can happen.

Nathaniel Clyne, meanwhile, is facing another two months on the sidelines owing to a persistent back problem. 

The club took a similar stance with Philippe Coutinho when he signed a new deal in January

He has only played 45 minutes of football since the end of last season – that was in a friendly at Tranmere in July – and was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad on Monday.

Klopp said: 'Nathaniel is working hard on his rehab and we have kept a close eye on his progress, but the reality is we are looking at some time still before he is back and available for selection. 

'I am told it will be longer than just a couple of weeks, so we will continue to monitor and assess.' 

Nathaniel Clyne is facing two months on the sidelines owing to a persistent back problem