STOKE CHANGE SHAQ TACK

STOKE CITY may ask for a loan signing as part of any deal for Xherdan Shaqiri.

Liverpool remain favourites to sign Shaqiri, whose escape clause of around £13million was triggered by Stoke’s relegation. The 26-year-old (right) is worth much more after a fine World Cup with Switzerland and Stoke could claw back some of the lost revenue by requesting a player on loan from Liverpool.

Potters boss Gary Rowett wants two wingers and a centre-half but has been rebuffed so far in his attempts to sign West Brom’s James Mcclean and Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie. Manchester United are also believed to be considering Shaqiri, although Liverpool have made all the running.