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Following reports earlier in the week confirming Liverpool's interest in Xherdan Shaqiri as genuine and suggesting talks had begun, Germany's Bild believes a deal to send the attacking midfielder to England is growing increasingly likely. They believe that Liverpool have opened preliminary talks for the player, offering Bayern £16M for the 22-year-old Swiss international.
Moreover, the German paper reports Bayern may be open to selling Shaqiri, as following the injury to Franck Ribery, Bayern have begun the search for a potential long-term replacement for the French star. It's a move that could signal that Pep Guardiola does not see Shaqiri as Ribery's long-term replacement—or that Shaqiri has already made clear his desire to leave this summer.
Though his talent is clear, if Bayern are indeed looking elsewhere, it's hard not to wonder if the German club may have doubts about his long-term fitness. That he has complained about not getting enough starting minutes despite his frequent injuries is also a potential warning sign. Fit and on form, though, there's no doubt he would make Liverpool a better side.
Shaqiri is currently on duty with Switzerland at the World Cup, where he appeared short of match fitness on the way to a largely ineffective display against Ecuador on Sunday. The Swiss play again on Friday, when they take on Group E favourites France.
