Liverpool set to test Bayern Munich’s resolve with bid for midfield ace

Liverpool are targeting the exciting young Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri as they look to bolster their midfield.

Brendan Rodgers has several injury problems at present, including key midfielder Lucas Leiva, and is on the lookout having missed out on Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah this week.

The Reds are currently in fourth place, eight points behind table-toppers Arsenal with 16 games left to play this season.

Xherdan Shaqiri scored on his last International start against Albania

But their good run of form has stalled slightly, having been top of the Premier League at Christmas, and Rodgers is keen to add players who can make an immediate impact.

Rodgers said: “This is a brilliant club and we try to get players in for the now, we need players who can come in now and help us.

“I’d rather wait and look at our young players than bring in one or two squad players.”

Xherdan Shaqiri has scored six goals since joining Bayern Munich

Shaqiri fits the bill as the talented midfielder would slot nicely into the Reds’ side and the former Basle player has been tracked by the Northern Irish manager for several months.

The 22-year-old midfielder began his career at Basle but moved to Bayern Munich for around 11 million Euros in 2012.

However he hasn’t held down a regular starting berth in the Bundesliga, with the arrival of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara in the summer pushing the youngster down the pecking order.

Xherdan Shaqiri has made 30 appearances for Switzerland

The midfielder first came to prevalence when called up to the senior squad in 2010 for the 2010 World Cup.

That was a surprise call-up by manager Ottmar Hitzfeld and England fans may remember Shaqiri, as he scored in a 3-1 defeat by England during the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.