Emre Can Says Delay in Signing New Liverpool Contract 'Isn't About Money'

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has insisted the delay over his contract extension at Anfield "isn't about money." 

The Germany international has yet to agree fresh terms with the Reds, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2017-18 season. It means speculation about a potential exit has started to gather pace. However, the man himself has suggested he's keen to sign a new deal.

"I read in newspapers it was about money, but it isn't about money," he said, per Allan Valente of Sky Sports. "We've had a few good meetings and everything is fine. I just wanted to say it is never about the money. It is about the future, what happens. You never know what will happen in football, but I am happy here. We will speak in the next few weeks and months and see what happens."

Can went on to say that he is "very happy at Liverpool" and that he's keen to remain at the club "for many years."

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As noted by Valente, there have been reports suggesting the 23-year-old wants to double his current weekly wage of £50,000 as part of any extension.

Can scored the winning goal for the Reds in Sunday's 2-1 win over Burnley at Anfield, curling home a precise effort from distance. As noted by OptaFranz, it gave the midfielder the best goal haul of his career so far for a season:

Nevertheless, this campaign hasn't been the easiest for the Germany international. Manager Jurgen Klopp has teamed up Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana in midfield for Liverpool's best performances of 2016-17, with their fluidity a hallmark of the Reds' best attacking displays.

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By contrast, when Can has been in the team, he's clogged up Liverpool's attack. He's a midfielder who needs time on the ball to make good decisions, and that hinders the incisive brand of football Klopp has sought to implement at Anfield.

There are plenty of attributes to his game, though, including versatility, physicality and fitness. Per Squawka Football, he offers a threat from distance, too:

Doubts have emerged as to whether or not Can will be around to make improvements at Anfield, though. Indeed, Liverpool's legendary former defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports (h/t Alex Smith of the Daily Mirror) on Sunday "there is a good chance he may not be here next season."

However, Klopp praised the attitude and application of the German following his display in the win over the Clarets, per football journalist Richard Buxton:

While Can's reputation has taken a bit of a battering, it's not long ago he was rated as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League. It was only last season he won Liverpool's Young Player of the Year Award.

With that in mind, Liverpool will be keen to get him tied down long term and invest more time into developing Can. If there's no issue with money, as the midfielder suggests, and the Reds want to keep him, it should be tied up very soon.