Rumour: Liverpool target Bayern Munich star

It being so late in the January transfer window, and having been pipped to the post by Chelsea in the pursuit of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are set to now focus their attention on a last-ditch attempt to land Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri.

Throughout January, Brendan Rodgers was reported to have been keen on bringing Salah to Anfield, but with the Egyptian set to soon become a Chelsea player, pending a medical, the Liverpool boss has been forced to look elsewhere in view of strengthening his squad.

According to the Express, it is another ex-Basel player who is to become Rodgers’ alternative. Shaqiri left the Swiss club to join the German champions in 2012, having caught the eye of Europe’s elite through some impressive performances during Basel’s 2011/12 Champions League run. Arguably the winger’s finest game came against Manchester United, who Basel sent crashing out of the competition at the group stage through a 2 – 1 victory; Shaqiri provided the assists for both goals.

Last year, however, Bayern’s CEO refuted any rumours alluding to the Swiss winger’s departure after it was reported that a host of clubs were interested, claiming:

“Nobody has called about Shaqiri. Right now there are no plans [to sell].”

“The coach is completely satisfied with him. I think we will go into the season with the current squad.”

Yet, Shaqiri has appeared for the Bundesliga giants only eight times so far this season, and only four times has he been included in the starting line-up. Resultantly, a move appears more likely than was previously the case.

Having created fourteen chances and scored twice in such scarce playing time, though, means Livepool may have to part with around £17 million in order sign Shaqiri, significantly more than how much they were reportedly willing to offer for Salah.

Xherdan Shaqiri has been successful in 84% of his attempted take-ons so far this season, having beaten his man sixteen times and failed to do on only three occasions.