Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 6y

Juve coach Allegri praises Liverpool's Emre Can amid reports of deal

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has praised Emre Can as reports in Italy said the club had persuaded the Liverpool midfielder to join them in the summer.

Juve officials met Can's representatives on Thursday, according to Sky Sport Italia, and were able to convince him to sign a contract when he becomes a free agent in July.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Allegri said of Can: "He's young, with plenty of games and international experience already under his belt.

"We're all aware of Emre Can's qualities. He's part of an extraordinary Germany midfield together with [Sami] Khedira and [Toni] Kroos, but I'm not talking about the transfer market now because Juve are fine as we are.

"There was just the loan of [Marko] Pjaca [to Schalke] who needs to play and come back in July in the best condition to face next season."

Since Giuseppe Marotta became Juventus general manager and Fabio Paratici sporting director, players such as Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Kingsley Coman, Fernando Llorente and Dani Alves have arrived on free transfers.

Khedira joined after his contract at Real Madrid expires and is reported to have influenced compatriot Can's decision to join him in Turin.

Juve had been exploring the option of signing Can this month, but Allegri appeared to rule that out earlier this week when he said he did not need any more players in the winter.

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