Emre Can has reportedly rejected the possibility of a move to Manchester United amid fears of damaging his relationship with Liverpool fans.
According to Tuttosport, as translated by Sport Witness, the German international had been on the radar of the Red Devils after a difficult time in Italy with Juventus.
However, while United have turned their attention away from the midfielder, as per the report, Can himself has expressed a reluctance to make the switch to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old left Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the 2017/18 season, with Juventus winning the race for his signature.
Despite having only been in Turin for a brief period, speculation surrounding his future at the club had surfaced, with Tuttosport’s claims indicating that a €30 million move to United had emerged as a potential outcome.
Read Liverpool’s verdict
Can hardly departed Anfield in the best of circumstances, with reports detailing that his exit was largely predicated on significant disagreements in contract talks.
Liverpool would have regretted letting such a gifted midfielder leave for no transfer fee in return. Still, their fortunes have not been harmed, with Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson stepping up to help the Reds to the Champions League trophy last season.
Nevertheless, if Tuttosport’s report about Can’s affection towards the Anfield faithful is correct, it speaks volumes about the way in which the club’s supporters make their team feel at home.
The prospect of a move to Manchester United would have been a risky one for the German, both from a footballing perspective given their shaky Premier League season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and given the rivalry with Liverpool.
However, no such transfer appears to be on the cards, and Can’s legacy at Anfield remains largely untarnished.
