Could Roma be about to poach Xherdan Shaqiri from under the noses of Liverpool…
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Xherdan Shaqiri could be on his way to Roma, according to sources in both the Italian and English media.
The Italian side, who finished in second place in last year’s Serie A title race, have reportedly opened talks with the Swiss winger, striking a huge blow to Liverpool’s transfer aspirations.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are well known admirers of the 22-year-old, who has scored 15 goals in two seasons with German champions Bayern Munich. The wide-man also netted the first ever left-footed hat-trick at a World Cup during this summer’s tournament.
Shaqiri is keen to leave Bayern this summer, after falling down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena, and Liverpool were thought to be firm favourites for the player’s signature.
However, like Liverpool, Roma are keen to add to their squad this summer after securing a return to Champions League football. They have already added former Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole to their ranks, and are looking to make further additions.
Liverpool have recruited Southampton duo Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, while they have also signed Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can. Benfica winger Lazar Markovic is thought to be close on a move to Anfield, but the Reds still have money to spend based on the imminent sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
A defender remains the club’s number one priority, with Southampton’s Dejan Lovren thought to be intent on forcing through a move to Anfield, but fans look to be left disappointed in their team’s pursuit of Shaqiri, who is seemingly set for a move to Rome.