Liverpool will hold onto Emre Can despite his stalemate over a new long-term deal.
Can will enter the final 12 months of his existing Anfield contract this summer, having failed to agree an extension since negotiations broke off in December.
The Germany international, who joined the Reds in 2014, could walk away on a free transfer next year if no new deal is agreed beyond his current expiry.
But Liverpool have no plans to sell Can despite his situation mirroring that of Everton counterpart Ross Barkley, whose contract also expires in 2018.
Ronald Koeman has issued Barkley, also 23, with an ultimatum that he will be sold if he does not commit to the Blues before the end of the current campaign.
However Anfield officials are not preparing to offload Can, with Jurgen Klopp willing to secure the player’s long-term future next season if required.
Last month he insisted that a lack of certainty over his first-team prospects was a pivotal factor in the contract impasse rather than a salary demand of £100,000 per week.
The midfielder’s impressive resurgence in recent weeks has helped Liverpool maintain their push for Champions League qualification.
Klopp has already convinced Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana, two of the club’s most influential performers, to commit to new long-term deals this year.
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