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Time is ticking on Emre Can’s Liverpool career.

Every day a new deal goes unsigned is a day closer to the German departing Anfield on a free next summer.

In reality, the Reds don’t even have that long. Come January 1, the 23-year-old will be free to discuss terms with clubs from abroad, and can negotiate a pre-contract.

Liverpool used this rule to their advantage in Jurgen Klopp’s first season, snapping up Joel Matip from Schalke.

And while the threat of Can heading elsewhere in similar circumstances persists, Klopp admits he is open to using the market to his advantage in that manner, too.

“If there is a player out there with a contract ending next summer and he’s good, we would try to do the same,” he said last week.

Good news. There are several good players out of contract next summer - all of whom could begin negotiating with Liverpool in less than two months’ time, if the club wanted to.

Here are nine who will have fans talking... but will Klopp be just as impressed?

Jose Gimenez

Who? An uncompromising centre-back who has found minutes hard to come by for Atletico Madrid, with Stefan Savic and Diego Godin first choice under Diego Simeone. Still only 22, the Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, and has heralded playing in England as a ‘dream’.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? He’s a centre-back, so yes. Strong, attentive and with good positioning, he would represent a real astute buy for the Reds.

Could it happen? If Klopp wants to bolster his defensive line - and surely he does? - then there are few better options available. Even with a January purchase of, for example, Virgil van Dijk, Gimenez fits the profile under FSG’s Liverpool and would further boost their back-line options.

Leon Goretzka

Who? Schalke midfielder who has become one of the most in-demand youngsters in Europe. After developing quietly at Gelsenkirchen, following an early move from Bochum, Goretzka has really exploded onto the scene in the past year, his box-to-box style catching the eye. Six goals in nine appearances for Germany has seen his stock rise further.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? On the surface, he seems an obvious replacement for Can. Similar age, similar profile.

Could it happen? He would appear to be a player Klopp would relish working with, with his rapid progression something the German boss can really work with. It would be surprising if the 22-year-old was not on the club’s radar.

Max Meyer

Who? Schalke’s other potential freebie, and one who has already fluttered his eyelashes towards Klopp. “I know from the past that he appreciates me as a player,” Meyer said in the summer of 2016. No wonder, with the then-teenager scoring in his first derby against Klopp’s Dortmund. The versatile midfielder has struggled to nail down a starting spot this season, however, making just six starts.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? At just 22, he certainly fits the much-vaunted profile at Liverpool. Having stagnated slightly at Schalke, he could provide a versatile option off the bench, much how Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has in recent weeks.

Could it happen? Klopp was a big fan during his time at Dortmund and Meyer, surely, will jump at the chance to work with him. That midfield does look quite congested, however.

Stefan de Vrij

Who? A Dutch centre-back. No, no that one. The Lazio man has been a mainstay at the Rome club since his arrival from Feyenoord in 2014, establishing himself as a Netherlands international in the process. But despite some solid performances in Serie A, his contract remains unsigned.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? Again, he is a centre-back - and one that has conceded just 12 goals in 11 league games this season. The Reds should always be on the lookout to swell their options in this particular position.

Could it happen? Van Dijk remains the Dutch international who holds Klopp’s heart, but the 25-year-old has proven himself in one of Europe’s better leagues as well. Gini Wijnaldum would no doubt be an advocate of his compatriot.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Who? Athletic Bilbao’s no.1. The 23-year-old has become hot property since establishing himself at the Basque club over the past year, after developing over time in his club’s youth set-up. Linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid, Arrizabalaga has been likened to Manchester United’s David De Gea, with his performances earning him a Spain call-up earlier this season.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? Though Liverpool have three goalkeepers in the first team, both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius have come in for criticism recently, while Danny Ward is no closer to a breakthrough. He is considered one of Spain’s most exciting young stoppers.

Could it happen? If Klopp decides to look for a new goalkeeper, there will be few better bets, especially on a free. That, however, does not seem likely at this point.

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Mark Uth

Who? Eagle-eyed Liverpool supporters will recognise him as a goalscorer against the Reds, both home and away, for Hoffenheim. The striker is scoring at a decent rate this season, notching a goal every 157 minutes.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? Would he improve what Klopp already has at his disposal? Though his finishing ability caught the eye - and his five goals in nine league games deserves credit - the left-footer would only be occupying a squad role at best.

Could it happen? Only if Klopp decides to swell his forward options even further. He is hard-working and clever in his movement, but Liverpool have players of that ilk in abundance. He’s also 26 - older than any of the Reds’ strikers bar Daniel Sturridge.

Neven Subotic

Who? One of Klopp’s former Dortmund stars, who remains at the club nearly a decade after joining from Mainz. Injuries have taken their toll on the centre-back however, and he’s made just one Bundesliga appearance this season.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? He would fit in with Klopp, undoubtedly. A centre-back he trusts - or, at least, trusted - and one also familiar with his former manager’s style of play. Whether he could do that now, after an injury-hit few seasons, is up for debate.

Could it happen? Only if Klopp wanted to bring the Serbian in, much like how Rafael Benitez brought in Mauricio Pellegrino, his former aide at Valencia. At just 28, that feels a damning assessment on a player who formed a superb defensive partnership with Mats Hummels, winning consecutive Bundesliga titles; unfortunately, the past few years means he would be nothing more.

Bernard

Who? An attack-minded Brazilian who plays for Shakhtar. That isn’t a bad path to trod, given the success of Luiz Adriano, Willian and Alex Teixeira in Ukraine. The 25-year-old can play across the front three, featuring predominately on the left-hand side. Would inject a bit more creativity into a side full of it already.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? He possesses the same sort of qualities as many of Klopp’s front line, with the ability to move into pockets of space and create opportunities. He is rapid and carries the ball at speed - perfect for Liverpool’s counter attacks - but perhaps lacks that extra quality Sadio Mane and Mo Salah do.

Could it happen? If Klopp wanted a decent back-up for his two speedsters, Bernard would represent decent value. Yet at 25, he’s failed to deliver on his early promise, and would depart Ukraine with his career at a crossroads.

Alassane Plea

Who? Striking partner of Mario Balotelli at Nice, the centre-forward has notched seven goals in 19 games this season - following on from a breakout campaign which saw him notch 11 in 25 as the southern French side qualified for the Champions League. Can also play out wide.

Would he fit in at Liverpool? The 24-year-old is inconsistent - he hasn’t scored a league goal since September 9. Klopp would demand more from his forward line.

Could it happen? It would be a big surprise.