Steven Gerrard is fearful Emre Can would be making a big mistake by leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
The German is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and has been tipped to leave the club when his deal runs out in the summer.
News of his likely departure came after it was recently reported th at Liverpool had refused to meet Can’s request and include a release clause in any potential extension.
Long-term admirers Juventus are now expected to compete for the midfielder alongside Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Gerrard has urged the German international to reconsider his options.
“If it was me and I was in his shoes I’d sign the deal,” he told BT Sport.
“We’ve got a German manager who believes in [him], he’s a regular in this team, he’s grown [and] Liverpool have helped him to improve.”
“There’s talk of Bayern Munich and Juventus being after him—and rightly so, he deserves that credit—but I’m not sure there’s a guarantee he gets in those teams.”
“Could there be a situation where he leaves thinking the grass is greener on the other side and maybe makes the wrong decision?”
“I think you make a decision like that if you’re unhappy, if you’re not playing, if the fans aren’t having you—in a situation like that, I understand if they move.”
“But if you’re happy, the manager’s having you, you’re playing, you’re getting offered a good deal, I don’t see any reason why he needs to make the move.”
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Negotiations between Can and Liverpool have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, with talks having regularly stalled due to apparent disagreements.
The 23-year-old’s wage demands were an initial issue, with his performances half-way through last season failing to justify the money he was seeking.
He has since, however, established himself as a key figure in Jurgen Klopp’s setup, playing an influential role in securing a top four finish in the previous campaign and adding a valuable attacking dimension to his game.
Can was an unsung hero in Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Ham, posing as effective protection for Liverpool’s back four and, in turn, a solid foundation for the Reds’ counterattacking approach.