Reds splash out on German star Can

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has added a second signing to his summer strengthening programme with the arrival of midfielder Emre Can, but the Antrim man is not yet halfway through his list of targets.

The German U21 international, whose arrival will not be confirmed until July 1, joined from Bayer Leverkusen after the Reds triggered a €12 million release clause.

Can follows Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, who joined on Monday, and further arrivals are expected.

Rodgers has already strengthened his forward line and midfield and while he wants to add more creativity in the form of Lambert’s Saints team-mate Adam Lallana, defence may be the next area to bolster.

A £25million (€30m) take-it-or-leave-it offer for Lallana remains on the table and while Liverpool are keen for the deal to be done before the start of the World Cup that looks increasingly unlikely and they are looking at alternatives.

Southampton’s appointment of a new manager, which could happen as early as next week, may ease the impasse which currently exists and it could be Liverpool have more luck in securing Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno.

Interest has been registered with the Europa League champions but the Merseysiders are wary of the Spanish club’s attempts to generate an auction in order to push up his value. The Reds value him at about €19.7m.

With the future of centre-back Daniel Agger in doubt, Rodgers is also interested in Dejan Lovren, also at Southampton, but that may well be the last of the moves to be made as Rodgers would probably want Agger off the wage bill before bringing in a replacement.

Away from team affairs, Liverpool have taken another step towards the redevelopment of Anfield by submitting a formal planning application — where they hope to expand the ground’s capacity to 60,000.