Liverpool have been offered even more hope in their pursuit of Xherdan Shaqiri, after new Stoke City boss Gary Rowett gave the green light for a move.

In one of the more surprising transfer stories thus far this summer, Liverpool entered the race sign Stoke City’s Shaqiri last week.

According to reliable Liverpool writer Melissa Reddy, the Reds have “genuine interest” in Shaqiri, who has just a £12m release clause with Stoke due to the Potters’ relegation.

West Ham and Everton are also thought to be interested in a move, but Liverpool are currently the bookmakers’ favourites to land the former Bayern Munich man, and Stoke manager Rowett appears to have left the door open for his exit.

“No player will leave the club that is contractually with the club unless the club feel it is a good deal and the right deal for them,” said Rowett in his first press conference as Stoke boss.

[brid autoplay="true" video="252976" player="12034" title="Watch 21 things that will definitely happen at the World Cup"]

“That is the most important thing but on the flip side to that, if player’s say they want to leave, then I want to work with players that want to be at the club.

“I want players who are committed to Stoke City. And if players want to leave I will try and find the best solution to make that happen if that is the case.”

The £12m relegation clause combined with Rowett’s comments clearly have the bookmakers thinking it’s only a matter of time before Shaqiri is a Red.

The Swiss winger, who grabbed eight goals and seven assists in a struggling Stoke side, would provide depth in multiple forward positions, allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to stay fresh throughout the season.

Liverpool fans, would you like to see Shaqiri in red? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…