Liverpool transfer news: Jorginho lined up to replace Emre Can

Liverpool have joined the race for Napoli midfielder Jorginho, reports talkSPORT, with the broadcaster claiming that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has identified the Italy international as the man to replace Emre Can at Anfield.

Arsenal and Manchester United are both tailing the 26-year-old Jorginho, who “is valued at around £50m” and a bidding war is expected to erupt at the end of the season, although given the Gunners’ plummeting reputation it’s not expected they will be in a position to attract the playmaker.

Rather it will come down to a straight shootout between Liverpool and United. Jose Mourinho, whose side required a late goal to see off Crystal Palace last night, wants to bring in fresh blood in the summer, while Klopp seeks a top notch replacement for Can.

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The German ace is in the final few months of his current contract at Anfield and according to talkSPORT “he is refusing to sign an extension”.

Therefore Klopp has apparently resigned himself to losing Can in May and is scouting alternatives. Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi is said to be on his radar, but talkSPORT claims that the Reds “have now set their sights on landing Napoli star Jorginho”.

The player’s agent, Joao Santos, was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked by Italian media for an update on his client’s future plans. “We’re waiting for May,” he said. “Then if Napoli wants to renew the contract, we can talk about it.”

Pressed about Premier League rumours, Santos added: “There are no official and concrete proposals for him from the UK… [but] I’m sure Jorginho has the characteristics to play there. He runs more than 13km every game and he has a great technique.”