Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Officially Announce the Signing of German Youngster

Liverpool have offically announced the signing of Bayer Leverkusen youngster Emre Can for a reported transfer fee of £9.7 million.

"Liverpool FC have today agreed a deal in principle with Bayer Leverkusen to sign 20-year-old Emre Can, subject to documentation being completed," read a statement on the club's offical website.

The Reds, who have recently completed the signing of England striker Rickie Lambert from Southampton, are believed to have activated the release clause on Can's contract in order to quickly seal the deal. 

According to ESPN, the Merseyside club, who narrowly missed out on the Premier league title last season, have already discussed personal terms with the German international. 

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was keen on getting the 20-year-old, who was impressive during Bayer Leverkusen's Champions League campaign last season.

Leverkusen's chief executive Michael Schade had earlier confirmed that Liverpool had made an official offer for Can.

"Up until yesterday, I would have said it was just rumours about Emre. But now I can confirm that we have received an official offer from Liverpool, and I expect a very quick conclusion to it," Schade had told German paper Bild.

The German midfielder, who is known to be versatile, capable of playing in the left-back as well as the defensive midfield position, drew a lot of attention after his performances helped Bayer Leverkusen secure a Champions League position by finishing fourth in the Bundesliga.

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller had also earlier admitted Can could be heading to Liverpool if the Reds activated his release clause.

"Liverpool are interested in Can, but if the deal is to go through, it would be lucrative and there is a clause in his contract," Voller said.

Can, who has played for his country at every youth level, was praised by Germany's U-17 coach Steffen Freund for his performances in the U-17 World Cup in Mexico in 2011.

"Emre is the most complete under-17 player I have seen in my entire career, and I have seen many. He has what it takes to make it to the top," said Freund, according to ESPN.

Meanwhile Liverpool are reportedly looking to give up their pursuit of Adam Lallana after Southampton made it clear that they would not be consider selling anymore players until they appoint Mauricio Pochettino's successor.