Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Stoke City forward Xherdan Shaqiri’s representatives as the Reds look to add a multi-functional forward to their side.
In early May, Goal journalist Neil Jones reported that Liverpool are in the market for a multi-functional forward to help alleviate the burden of scoring goals as carried by Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
Then, last week, reports broke that Liverpool are monitoring Xherdan Shaqiri as a potential incoming this summer, with the Swiss winger’s £13 million relegation release clause viewed as good business.
Now, today, the Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones claims that the Reds have met with Shaqiri’s representatives for talks about signing the 26-year-old.
Although, Nabil Fekir’s move to Liverpool collapsed this weekend, with conflicting reports as to why, Shaqiri is not viewed as an alternative to the Frenchman as interest in the Stoke City man existed prior to a deal for the Lyon playmaker falling through.
Last week, The Guardian’s Andy Hunter wrote: “Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Xherdan Shaqiri following Stoke City’s relegation.”
Tottenham and Everton are also interested but as it stands, the Reds are the first to make an approach to Shaqiri’s agents.
Over the weekend, Shaqiri’s Switzerland faced Japan in a pre-World up friendly which the Swiss won 2-0 and when asked about his future, the former Bayern Munich winger was very evasive.
On a move to Merseyside, Shaqiri said: “Anfield is great, definitely.” He then asked: “Why are you talking about Liverpool?”
After being told of Liverpool’s reported interest in his services Shaqiri said: “I can’t tell you anything right now. I think my agents take care of my future. I’m focusing on the national team right now.”
I personally think he was being very tactical in not directly answering the reporter’s questions and it may well be that a move to Anfield is being put together.
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