The Times understands that UEFA Champions League runners up Liverpool ‘hold an interest’ in Stoke City forward Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss international has expressed a desire to leave the bet365 Stadium this summer, following relegation into the Sky Bet Championship.
Shaqiri will be hoping to produce a strong display at the World Cup in Russia to spark a bidding war for his signature. Although Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are a fan of the player, they supposedly have other priorities, mostly in the name of Nabil Fekir of French side Lyon. Nevertheless, Shaqiri may yet become an Anfield player.
It is believed that the player has a relegation release clause in his Stoke contract. This is said to be worth in the region of £12-13million. Liverpool have already spent big in the transfer window with the signing of Fabinho from Monaco. Should Fekir sign, then there is not likely to be any room for Shaqiri, and vice versa. Whilst Liverpool are paying close attention to the situation, they would face competition from the likes of local rivals Everton, and also Southampton, who named Mark Hughes as their permanent manager recently and he guided them to safety at the end of last season.
However, the Daily Telegraph is also of the understanding that another Premier League side would like to add the 26-year-old to their roster. Leicester City have been linked with many new signings this summer and the Swiss is the latest name, although their interest should be genuine.
It is unlikely any deal will be completed before the World Cup.
