Liverpool could face opposition from Southampton in their hunt for Stoke's World Cup star Xherdan Shaqiri.

Former journalist Ian McGarry is reported in the Daily Star as saying that the Saints could well pip their illustrious rivals to his signature, as they look to emulate the success of recent seasons with a top-half Premier League finish.

“Shaqiri to my information is going to be available for around £8m after Stoke’s relegation," he told their transfer window podcast. "That could go up to £12m in add-ons. There’s interest from Southampton, where of course he might consider because he would play more regularly."

It is widely thought that Shaqiri is wanted by Liverpool to add depth, but that he might not be a regular starter. A move to the south coast would almost certainly guarantee first team football.

The 26-year old joined Stoke from Inter Milan for a club record fee of £12m in 2015. He's currently in Russia with Switzerland, but looks set to leave once he returns, with the Premier League a likely destination.

He was unable to prevent Stoke tumbling out of the Premier League, prompting a scathing attack from pundit Gary Neville recently.

The Verdict

Shaqiri will be turning heads with a good World Cup display, but Southampton would do well to remember the player who didn't look half as effective as Stoke were relegated.

That said, £12m isn't a huge amount for a top-flight club now and when he's on form, he's a special talent.