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Liverpool’s Emre Can says delay in signing new contract is not down to money dispute

Emre Can in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield
Image: Liverpool's Emre Can says the delay in signing a new contract is not down to money

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has denied that the delay in signing a new contract at Anfield is down to a dispute over money.

Reports had suggested the 23-year-old was looking to double his weekly wage to close to £100,000-a-week and that was the reason negotiations had stalled between him and the club, but Can says those suggestions are inaccurate.

The Germany international will be down to the final 12 months of his current contract this summer, but says money is not the motivating factor in any new deal and insists meetings with the club have been productive.

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Liverpool 2-1 Burnley

"I read in newspapers it was about money, but it isn't about money," he said. "We've had a few good meetings and everything is fine. I just wanted to say it is never about the money. It is about the future, what happens.

"You never know what will happen in football, but I am happy here. We will speak in the next few weeks and months and see what happens.

"The meetings are with my agent, but I am very happy at Liverpool. In the future I can play for many years at Liverpool."

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates with Emre Can after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenha
Image: Can says he is happy at Liverpool

Can was Liverpool's match-winner against Burnley on Super Sunday, with a long-range strike securing a 2-1 victory.

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The midfielder has struggled to hit top form this season but says that has been more to do with physical issues than contractual ones.

When asked whether the uncertainty over his future had affected his performances, Can said: "No, that was not the reason. The last few months the most important thing has been that I am pain-free and we have spoken more about that than the contract.

Emre Can (right) challenges Theo Walcott (centre) in the second half at Anfield
Image: Can says he has struggled with calf problems

"I've had calf problems for many years and it has been very difficult for me - 10 minutes into the game I've not been able to feel my feet in a few games - but I didn't like to go to the press and say, 'I am injured'.

"Maybe it was not good that I played and did not have a break. I didn't play well when it was my opportunity to play and it was my mistake. I play in a different position now and I don't sprint too much.

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"When I play at [number] eight I have to go forward and sprint more; when I play at six I don't have to sprint too much.

"I feel good at the moment. I have to come back to the old Emre because when I am fit I know what I am able to do and I am confident enough to know I can play much better than in the past."

Can is set to continue as Liverpool's defensive midfielder at Manchester City next weekend, live on Sky Sports, as captain Jordan Henderson has been ruled out with an on-going foot problem by manager Jurgen Klopp.

Emre Can goal celeb, Jordan Henderson, Bournemouth v Liverpool. Premier League
Image: Can is set to continue covering for the injured Jordan Henderson

Can hopes they can maintain their impressive record against the top-six this season - in their last meeting of the campaign against Champions League-chasing opponents - which has seen them take 19 points from a possible 27.

"It will be a very interesting game," Can added. "In the past we have played really well against top teams and hopefully we will do it again next week.

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