Liverpool have recently been linked with a move for Stoke City star Xherdan Shaqiri.

Shaqiri has a release clause of £12m which is interesting a number of Premier League clubs after his tally of eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League caught the eye.

Stoke's relegation means that they may struggle to keep their star players and Liverpool may look at the success they had with Andrew Robertson after signing him from Championship side Hull City last summer.

The Championship houses a number of top talents and some of the best young players in the country are plying their trade in our second tier at the moment.

Liverpool should definitely consider swooping for some Championship stars, or even players from lower down in the Football League, as this is a good, cheap way of bolstering their squad.

Here are three EFL stars that the Reds should be looking at.

Liverpool need a new goalkeeper after both Loris Karius and Simon Mignoley have shown their frailties over the last few seasons.

Butland is a proven solid stopper in the Premier League and at the age of 25, he is only going to get better.

Middlesbrough star Traore is attracting a lot of attention this summer because he has added end product to go alongside his blistering pace and deceptive skill.

Boro reportedly want £15m for the 22-year-old Spaniard - an absolute bargain considering his potential.

Maddison is arguably the Championship's best young player after netting 15 goals from midfield for Norwich City last term.

The 21-year-old is wanted by a number of clubs but Liverpool should enter the race because he has great technical ability, a range of passing and an eye for goal.