Bayern Munich and Switzerland winger, Xherdan Shaqiri, has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in this transfer window.
However, recent reports suggested the Reds may hold off bringing Shaqiri in until the summer, as the winger was tipped to join Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season.
Inter Milan’s loan signing of Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski seems to have put the Shaqiri deal to bed, with Bayern Munich apparently preparing to sell the Swiss international in this window.
Liverpool have been highlighted as the front-runners but have received unexpected competition from Stoke City, who have admitted they are interested in the Bayern Munich winger.
Their assistsant manager, Mark Bowen, said “He’s definitely on the list, but there is competition for a player of his ability. There are other clubs interested, but it doesn’t mean we rule ourselves out.”
Bowen also admitted the financial side may be a problem for the Potters. As well as struggling to attract Shaqiri to the Britannia from one of the world’s biggest clubs, where there is consistent Champions League football.
Despite this, the Stoke City coach believes Bojan Krkic’s presence at the club could be a pull factor for Shaqiri to join the Premier League outfit.
By Kieran Makin (@kieranmaksports)
