Juventus set for shock battle with Man Utd for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Emre Can

The German has been attracting interest from all over Europe after failing to put pen to paper on a new Anfield deal.

Talks have stalled recently and it looks increasingly likely Can will leave Liverpool in the coming months.

Juventus have been firm favourites to sign the 23-year-old.

But now, fellow Premier League rivals United have emerged as surprise suitors for Can.

According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are now locked in a battle with Jose Mourinho's side to acquire the midfielder.

Recently, club chief Beppe Marotta said: "Emre Can might be a very good opportunity for us but many clubs are after him since his contract with be expiring."

But the Serie A outfit may now be forced to buy Can in a cut-price deal this month rather than signing him on a free in the summer.

And the Italian publication claims offer Massimiliano Allegri's side will offer Liverpool £5m in the hope of securing a deal before the January window closes.

If Mourinho was to win the race for the Liverpool star, it would be the first time the two clubs have done business together since 1964, when Phil Chisnall moved from Old Trafford to Liverpool for a £25,000.

The Portuguese boss recently claimed the Red Devils need to spend more money after falling 12 points behind rivals Manchester City.