IT’S A LOVE SHAQ

XHERDAN SHAQIRI has splashed out on a new luxury pad to demonstrate that he feels at home at Stoke City.

There has been speculation that clubs in Europe were showing interest in the Swiss star, 25, and Roma were rumoured to be plotting a move in January.

That was all fuelled by his brother and agent, Edrin, saying, “You should never say never” when talking about a possible move away from the Potteries for Shaqiri. But Stoke boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that his £12million signing from Inter Milan 14 months ago (left) is ready to move in to his new mansion in Cheshire.

He said: “It’s just speculation. I think it was a throwaway comment from his brother that he will always keep his options open.

“It was jumped upon by lots of people but that’s not the case. He’s actually moving into a new property next week in Wilmslow. I don’t think he’s going anywhere any time soon.

“Last year he was coming to terms with the Premier League. It’s more difficult for attacking players and at that time he was our record signing so there was a lot of focus on him. But STEVE MILLAR he’s come back from the summer break looking really like the penny’s dropped. “The switch has been flicked and it looks like he’s got to grips with the Premier League.” Hughes (below) is delighted, too, with summer recruit Joe Allen. He said: “He’s not only technically a very good player but he has added goals which is a bonus because we didn’t anticipate that. “We feel very fortunate that he decided we were the right option for him.”