Xherdan Shaqiri linked with Liverpool after Bayern Munich exit hint

Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri has hinted he may leave Bayern Munich this summer, with Liverpool among rumoured suitors for the Switzerland international.

Diminutive wideman Shaqiri, 22, is one of his adopted country’s brightest stars after being born in and then escaping war-torn Yugoslavia.

He has made just 22 appearances for 15/8 Champions League favourites Bayern in all competitions this season, with many coming off the bench.

Pep Guardiola has preferred to play the likes of Arjen Robben, Ballon d’Or nominee Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller on the flanks instead of Shaqiri.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their attack as the supporting cast behind Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez have failed to make any impression.

Brendan Rodgers’ Reds crushed bitter rivals Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford last time out, and have seen their price on winning the Premier League cut by Coral to 10/3.

Top Italian teams Juventus and Napoli, where three of his Swiss national teammates play, and Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are also being linked with signing Shaqiri.

Merseyside outfit Liverpool will thus face a tough battle to land this target, who is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2016.

“When you hear these names, of course you have to listen to the offer,” Shaqiri said. “But there is nothing concrete. I am feeling good in Munich, but as a player you have to listen, if one of these top clubs is interested.

“[The] Bundesliga is the best league for me, but I also like the Premier League and Serie A. In Serie A, many teams have developed well with nice players.”

Switzerland will expect much from Shaqiri at this summer’s World Cup finals. Ottmar Hitfeld, in his final tournament as national coach before retiring, sees his side face Ecuador, France and Honduras in Group E.

Coral make the Swiss second-favourites to top this pool at 9/4 and odds-on to qualify for the knockout phase at 4/7. They are also 6/4 shots to win their opening group game against Ecuador.