Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Napoli midfielder Jorginho as a replacement for Emre Can, who is expected to leave Anfield in the summer when his contract expires. 

According to the Mirror‘s David Maddock, Arsenal and Manchester United are both also interested in the 26-year-old, who is valued at around £50 million.

But Liverpool are confident they can sign him and will be favourites to do so if it comes down to a transfer battle between the three Premier League clubs, added Maddock. 

Jorginho would be a good replacement for Can and arguably even an upgrade.

He has been a vital part of Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli side ever since the Italian took over as manager in 2015, and Jorginho has developed along with the Partenopei as they have become one of the most watchable sides in Europe.

He is a metronomic passer of the ball and boasts a remarkable ability to control the pace of play from the middle of the park, while he is also effective at winning the ball back and beginning counter attacks, per WhoScored.com:

Despite being born in Brazil, Jorginho is an Italy international and has three caps for the Azzurri. 

Former Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura’s stubborn refusal to utilise Jorginho more in the team’s failed qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup was described by the Guardian‘s Paolo Bandini as “unforgivable.”

It may be a difficult task to sign him as United and Arsenal are likely to fight hard if they do go in for him in the summer as well, while it would be no surprise if other major suitors appeared.

Meanwhile, Napoli will not give Jorginho up easily as he is a key part of their side and still has a contract with the club until 2020.