Liverpool open talks over Xherdan Shaqiri deal

Liverpool have opened talks over a deal for Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri and a deal should be completed soon.

Shaqiri was heavily linked with a move to Merseyside last month but with the Swiss international at the World Cup, no progress had been made.

The 26-year-old reportedly has a release clause of between £12 million and £13.5 million.

The Telegraph‘s Midlands reporter John Percy writes that “Liverpool have opened talks with Stoke over a deal” but adds that the release clause is more than the widely reported £12 million.

He adds that the deal should be “sorted this month.”

Presumably, with a release clause – whatever the fee is – the negotiations should be pretty straightforward.

It was claimed last month that Liverpool had already met with the player’s representatives so a move could happen quickly.

Jurgen Klopp likes to have new signings in early so they can be integrated into the squad, and having Shaqiri in time for the Reds’ trip to America at the end of next week would be very beneficial.

Adding Shaqiri would give Liverpool greater options in attack and provide much-needed cover for Mohamed Salah in particular.

Shaqiri played four games for Switzerland at the World Cup, scoring one and assisting another. Last season he scored eight goals and assisted seven despite playing in a poor Stoke side that was ultimately relegated.

Liverpool will be hoping that he can be as successful a signing as Andy Robertson was after he joined from relegated Hull City last summer.

Shaqiri is not seen as an alternative to Nabil Fekir, and Jurgen Klopp is said to still be seeking a new No.10 to play in a more central role in attacking midfield.