Liverpool midfielder Emre Can admits Juventus interest was 'an honour' as transfer rumours mount

Italian champions reportedly had bid rejected for midfielder in summer and Can has added to speculation he will leave for free next summer

Emre Can's contract expires next summer and he is yet to sign a contract extension (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has added to speculation that he could be heading for the exit door after admitting that Juventus’ bid in him during the summer was “an honour”.

The 23-year-old starred for Germany thrashed Azerbaijan on Sunday night and with his contract expiring at the end of the season Europe’s biggest clubs are on alert.

Juve chief executive Beppe Marotta admitted the Italian champions made an offer for Can in August and the midfielder has suggested the approach was welcomed.

"It's always an honour to receive an offer from such a renowned club, but currently I am only focused on the season with Liverpool,” Can told Kicker magazine.

“My agent takes care of the rest.”

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted the situation with Can is “not perfect” and the player’s latest comments do not suggest he is any closer to signing a contract extension.

"The Premier League is just a really cool league, the most interesting in the world, but you must always respect other big clubs and leagues,” Can added.

"You never know what will happen. And I don't know what Jurgen Klopp plans."

Marotta appeared to rule out a move for the player in January, explaining that he did not believe Liverpool were willing to sell.

"We don't think we are going to make a big signing in January," the chief executive said.

"Our team is absolutely competitive and we have some very interesting midfielders like [Rodrigo] Bentancur who has already showed his qualities.

"We have faith in this team and in these lads. As for Emre Can I don't think Liverpool will sell him in January.

"We made an offer for him in the summer but the Reds didn't sell him so I don't think they'll change their mind in the middle of the season."