5 potential replacements for Liverpool's Emre Can

Liverpool could lose midfielder Emre Can in the summer, as the German's contract with the club runs out and a number of Europe's top clubs are lining up for his signature.

Serie A giants Juventus are reported to be in the lead with rumors this week suggesting they've agreed a deal in principle with Can for a summer move.

Should the reports be true, Liverpool's squad will be a midfielder short and it will be up to manager Jurgen Klopp to find a replacement. Here are five names he could possibly look to bring to Anfield.

#1 Radja Nainggolan

Radja Nainggolan has often been linked with a move away from Roma

A.S. Roma's Radja Nainggolan may be infamous across the football world for his eccentric appearance and reported bad behavior, but a look beyond that reveals that he is one of Europe's most talented midfielders.

The Belgian would be a perfect fit for Klopp's Liverpool. He is known for his speed, stamina and excellent work rate, while boasting a good passing ability and an eye for goal - qualities that identify well with the Reds' playing system.

Nainggolan would also compliment Liverpool's defensive side, as he is, to be blunt, a nasty tackler.

Add to this his apparent versatility - the 29-year-old can occupy a number of positions all across the pitch. Compared to Can he is a finished product and a summer move for the Belgian international would make sense for Liverpool.

His behavior may be the biggest challenge that comes with having his signature, but it could also be a risk worth taking, as Reds manager Klopp commands respect along with his good man-management skills.

#2 Steven N'Zonzi

Steven N'Zonzi has made 15 appearances for Sevilla this season

For a Liverpool side mostly made up of flair players, Steven N'zonzi's height and strength would be a much-welcomed addition to the Merseysiders' midfield and a potential upgrade on Can.

The Sevilla player has been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal and his side's manager Vincenzo Montella recently added fuel to that fire by admitting he wasn't confident the Frenchman would remain in Spain beyond the winter transfer window.

That could provide an opportunity for Liverpool to join their rivals in the race for N'Zonzi either this month or at the end of the season.

The former Stoke City man plays primarily as a defensive midfielder and would provide good cover for Liverpool's back four, allowing the forward players to freely attack their opponents. N'Zonzi's passing and aerial ability would also add another potential threat in attacking situations, mainly set-pieces.

#3 Leon Goretzka

Leon Goretzka could light up the 2018 FIFA World Cup for Germany this summer

Liverpool's chances of signing Leon Goretzka seemed to have been over, with Bayern Munich rumored to have completed a deal to sign the FC Schalke star. However, the Anfield club have been given a potential boost with Goretzka's club rebuffing all claims of a move to the Allianz Arena.

Displaying traits such as dribbling, long-range shooting, tackling and tactical discipline, Goretzka has clearly caught the eye of Reds boss Klopp, as well as a host of other clubs and would make a great replacement for his fellow country-man Can.

The 22-year-old German international wouldn't struggle to fit into the Premier League as well, thanks to his energy and physicality granting him an ability to play intense matches.

His future remains in the air with his Schalke contract expiring in the summer, meaning if Liverpool do succeed in the race to sign him, he would arrive as a bargain on a free deal.

#4 Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu is one of Southampton's key players

"Another Southampton player? Really?"

Probably your thoughts, right?

Either way, ever since leaving Chelsea and returning to England after a stint at Valencia, Oriol Romeu has developed into arguably one of the Premier League's most underrated midfielders and a key man for Southampton.

The Spaniard's side may be enduring a torrid season being at the 17th place in the league, but in his time at St.Mary's, Romeu has proved that high levels of energy, crunch tackles, and an exceptional ability to read the game are just some of his finest attributes.

In other words, the midfielder just isn't afraid to do the dirty work and would, like N'zonzi, provide good protection for Liverpool's back four. He would also be a reliable figure to thread passes through to the side's more gifted players.

Luring him away from the Saints would be a difficult task given the number of players the South Coast club have already lost to the Reds, but a move for Romeu to replace Can, though controversial, would still yield good fortune.

#5 Fabinho

Monaco are expected to lose midfielder Fabinho at the end of the season

Of the five potential replacements Liverpool could pursue for Can, Monaco's Fabinho could just be the easiest to sign.

The Brazilian, capable of playing both as a midfielder and right-back, revealed that this season will be his last with the Ligue 1 side as he expects to move to another club.

Fabinho is a versatile player gifted in both defending and attacking. He possesses a very good aerial ability, alongside good passing and vision - qualities which have shined through for Monaco both in the league and in the Champions' League.

Obtaining his signature may be difficult as Manchester United are just one of the clubs reportedly interested in the Brazilian. Either way, Fabinho would make a decent signing for Liverpool and a suitable replacement for their current No. 23.