Rodgers running rule over Shaqiri

Liverpool’s recruitment campaign appears to be in full swing. After already securing the signings of striker Rickie Lambert for an initial £4m and Bayer Leverkusen’s talented young midfielder, Emre Can for £10m, they appear to be hot pursuit of Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

Brendan Rodgers’ side, who came so close to winning the Premier League title last term, seem to be going from strength to strength, and are a handsome 5/1 to do so next season.

This latest swoop comes as Liverpool still wait for answers from both Southampton and Benfica on their reported bids for Adam Lallana, and Lazar Markovic.

Shaqiri appears to have fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola at Bayern, and is reported to be keen on a move away from the German champions, who are 4/1 to victor in the next Champions League campaign.

A bid of around £15m is thought to be enough to secure his services, though as the player is rumoured to have expressed his desire to leave, the Reds may be able to do a deal for a lot less.

The Swiss winger, who is at the World Cup with his country, would offer valuable experience and depth to Rodgers’ squad as they prepare to battle on four fronts.

At just 22 though, Shaqiri also has his best years ahead of him, and would slot with ease into the youthful, talented squad that the Liverpool manager is trying to build. He would offer adept cover for Raheem Sterling, while also providing competition to a forward line that will only get better.

Having started his career at FC Basel, the player completed a move to Bayern in 2012, though has found it hard to cement a regular starting place, despite winning two Bundesliga titles, two DFB Pokal’s, and the Champions League.

Any fee in the region of £10-15m would be a steal for the Reds who are bidding to nick the Premier League title off Manchester City.