Liverpool Aim to Make Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can Their First Summer Signing

Liverpool have reportedly started preparations for making Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can their first signing in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Daily Mirror reports that the Merseyside club desperately want to complete a £10m deal which triggers the release clause in the midfielder's current contract. Having qualified for the next season's Champions League, Liverpool are looking to make quality signings in order to post a formidable challenge in all competitions next season.

Earlier this week, Leverkusen's sporting director Rudi Voller claimed that there has been no formal approach from Liverpool for Can. He went on to confirm that the club will oblige if an offer triggering the midfielder's release clause (£10m) is made.

The 20-year-old made the switch to BayArena from reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in search of regular first team opportunities last year. Having signed a four-year deal, Can enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Leverkusen making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering four assists in the process.

The Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers had revealed that he wants to sign players capable of being deployed at multiple positions when required. The Northern Irishman is believed to have been impressed by the versatility of Can, who can also adapt into left-back role.

Bayern had inserted a buy-back clause in the youngster's contract during the sale last year but the Bavarian giants are reportedly ineligible to trigger that option till 2015; giving Liverpool the upper-hand in persuading Can to move to Anfield.

A successful deal for Can will bolster the Reds' midfield, which currently comprises Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen.

The Mirror also claims that Leverkusen are unwilling to part ways with the Germany Under-21 starlet but the former Swansea boss' relationship with the player's agents is helping Liverpool work quicker towards completion of the deal.

Rodgers is keen on overseeing an overhaul with at least six signings during the summer transfer window with a view to drafting some of them directly into Liverpool's starting XI. The former Swansea manager also went on to reveal that the Reds have already started their work in pursuit of acquiring potential summer targets.

West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame is also reportedly a target for the Merseyside club while Bayern's Javi Martinez has also been linked with a switch to Anfield.