Liverpool Transfer News: Emre Can Clause Triggered, Adam Lallana Bid May Be Axed

Following Liverpool’s signing of Rickie Lambert on Monday, the Reds look set to add another new name to their squad after making a fresh approach for Bayer Leverkusen star Emre Can.

Brendan Rodgers' focus has been on £25 million target Adam Lallana, but as that transfer falls further into doubt, Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can is set to sign at Anfield, as reported by Phillip Arens of Bild, via Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.

Richard Jolly of ESPN FC passed along confirmation from Leverkusen that Liverpool have lodged a bid:

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Now that has been confirmed by Leverkusen chief executive Michael Schade. He told Bild: "Until Tuesday, it was a rumour. Now I can confirm that an official offer from Liverpool is received by mail.''

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The Germany under-21 international has been on the radar of Rodgers for some time, and it seems the 41-year-old has now got his man.

Michael Probst/Associated Press

The report states that Liverpool activated a £9.75 million release clause in Can’s contract, and the move is now expected to be tied up very quickly.

His versatile, box-to-box style of play made Can one of Leverkusen’s top performers in the 2013-14 campaign, helping himself to three goals and three assists along the way, per WhoScored.com.

Michael Probst/Associated Press

At 20 years old, Can undoubtedly has a bright future in front of him and is one of the best young talents around. Able to operate in central midfield or at left-back, he fills two areas currently in need of improvement at Anfield.

The news is not so positive for Southampton man Lallana, whose move to Liverpool may not materialise after all. As Richard Jolly of ESPN FC reports, Liverpool will likely move on to fresh, new targets if a deal for Lallana can’t be finalised soon.

Paul Thomas/Getty Images

Though the club’s £25 million bid remains, the Reds are ready to withdraw from the saga as Southampton continue to put transfers on the back burner.

The Saints made an official statement on their website regarding their priorities as the club’s hunt for a manager goes on:

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Southampton Football Club can confirm that we have received multiple offers for some of our players in the past weeks. We have no need to accept any offers. We are deep in the process of appointing a new manager who will continue to move our club forward. It remains our preference not to partake in any transfers until the new manager is in place.

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Lallana recently revealed he wants to leave St. Mary’s once he’s back from England duty in Brazil, per BBC Sport's Ben Smith, but with Southampton’s indifferent attitude toward transfers, he may be staying put on the South Coast.

Failing to land Lallana would be a big loss for Liverpool, who are looking to build their squad to once again be in contention for Premier League glory next season.

However, with Can’s signature looking confirmed, the Reds can look forward to enjoying one of their two dynamic midfield targets in the upcoming campaign.

Though Lallana’s priorities rightly lie with England in Brazil right now, he needs to push through his transfer as soon as possible if he’s to be joining Lambert in red next season.