Liverpool Agree Deal to Sign Bayer Leverkusen Midfielder Emre Can

Liverpool have announced that a 'deal in principle' has been agreed with Bayer Leverkusen to make Emre Can their second signing of the summer.

The statement on the club's official website read: "Liverpool FC have today agreed a deal in principle with Bayer Leverkusen to sign 20-year-old Emre Can, subject to documentation being completed."

Reports suggest that the midfielder's transfer to Anfield has cost the Reds £9.75m, which is the same amount that triggers Can's release clause. Brendan Rodgers had been keen on making some significant additions to his squad before the World Cup starts next week. The Merseyside club have already made Rickie Lambert their first summer acquisition after agreeing a reported £4m fee with Southampton.

Leverkusen too announced the departure of their talented midfielder on their official website saying, "It's official: The Premier League runners-up FC Liverpool have submitted a bid to Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the Germany U-21 international Emre Can (20). Can has activated a release clause and is set to join Liverpool on 1 July."

On Wednesday, Leverkusen's CEO Michael Schade had revealed about receiving an offer from Liverpool and that he was expecting a quick conclusion to the transfer.

On accepting the offer he said: "Emre Can has developed very quickly at Bayer 04 Leverkusen over the past twelve months. We wanted to keep Emre at Leverkusen but the release clause is part of his contract. So we wish him all the best and lots of success in his time in the Premier League."

Can had signed a four-year deal last summer to make the switch to BayArena from reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a reported €5.5m fee. The youngster made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and making as many assists in the process.

The German U21 international is a typical box-to-box midfielder but is also capable of slotting in at left-back. Rodgers prioritised in signing versatile players to his squad during the summer and Can is certainly the one that perfectly fits the Northern Irishman's requirements as he prepares his side for the Champions League next season.

Liverpool look highly active in the transfer market and are reportedly desperate to sign Southampton skipper Adam Lallana, Bayern Munich's Xherdan Shaqiri and talented Spain international Alberto Moreno from Sevilla in the coming weeks.