Southampton and Tottenham ‘interested in triggering £12m Xherdan Shaqiri release clause at Stoke’
Winger has made it clear he will not be playing in the Championship after the World Cup, so could a reunion with former Stoke boss Mark Hughes at St Mary's be on the cards?
SOUTHAMPTON are chasing Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri, according to reports.
Mark Hughes led the Saints to survival and will push through with recruitment at St Mary’s after signing a three-year-deal last week.
The Welshman signed Shaqiri for the Potters three years ago and will look to take advantage of the 26-year-old’s £12million release clause following the Staffordshire side’s relegation, say .
Despite Stoke’s poor season, Shaqiri scored eight goals in 36 league games, but it was not enough to save Paul Lambert’s side.
The Swiss winger has issued a come-and-get-me please to any potential suitors declaring he has no intention of playing in the Championship.
He told Aargauer Zeitung: “It is no secret that I will leave the club.
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"I think the (English) league is perfect for me.
“I would love to stay in England but I don't want to rule anything out. It's the best league with the best players."
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Spurs have been keeping tabs on the Swiss international who featured in his national side's 1-1 draw with Spain on Sunday.
Saints are also tracking Lazio's Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson valued at around £26million.