Bayer Leverkusen Still Waiting for Liverpool Offer for Emre Can

Bayer Leverkusen have denied reports suggesting they have received a bid from Liverpool for Emre Can but have confirmed the midfielder could leave if his €12m (£10m) release clause is met.

Brendan Rodgers is understood to be an admirer of the versatile midfielder and German newspaper Bild suggested on Sunday the Reds had activated the 20-year-old's release clause in order to make him their first signing of the summer.

Can has operated at left-back and in an advanced midfield role in addition to his natural role as a central midfielder this season and would fit the criteria the Liverpool manager is looking for.

While insisting there is yet to be an official bid from Merseyside, Leverkusen's sporting director Rudi Voller admits that the club are likely to consider Can's sale.

"We know of their interest, but there is nothing official," he told Bild, Goal reported.

"Of course Emre has a clause in his contract now. We're still waiting for a decision. [A €12 million return on a €5.5m] investment would be lucrative business.

"But that is not the sticking point. We are of the opinion that Emre would do well with another year with us. Roger Schmidt has already spoken to him, he is really into the player.

"I am convinced that Can would be even better with Roger."

Liverpool may not be the only side looking to make a move for Can this summer. The Germany Under-21 international left Bayern Munich last summer in search of greater first-team opportunities but the Bavarian giants included a buy-back clause in his contract.

Although it remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola wishes to bring Can back to the Allianz Arena, the club's chairman Karl-Heinz Rumminegge is keen to see the player remain at Leverkusen.

"Of course I spoke with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on the subject. Bayern think that another season at Leverkusen would be right for Emre."