New Stoke City boss Gary Rowett has given the go ahead for Liverpool to ramp up their interest in Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri, according to a report on Team Talk.

The World Cup bound attacker looks set to be the subject of intense interest this summer following Stoke's relegation to the Championship and the Champions League finalists look like being the front runners for his signature.

The Reds were hoping to tie-up a deal for Lyon attacker Nabil Fekir on Friday but the deal now looks in the balance after the player picked up a knee injury, which could lead to boss Jurgen Klopp stepping up his bid to land Shaqiri.

The 26-year-old was a shining light in an otherwise poor campaign for the Potters and Rowett appears reluctant to stand in the players way, stating earlier this week that he only wants to work with players dedicated to the Stoke City cause.

The Verdict

Xherdan Shaqiri is a player with undoubted ability and it is safe to say that he is too good to playing his club football in the Championship.

All that remains to be seen is just how much Stoke can recoup for one of their prized assets and boss Rowett will naturally be hoping that any funds raised can go towards a replacement.

Perhaps the most surprising element of this particular piece of news is the fact that Liverpool are interested and it remains to be seen whether Shaqiri can cut it playing for top four Premier League outfit.

Stoke City supporters, how good is  Xherdan Shaqiri? Let us know in the comments below!!!