Liverpool are reportedly hoping to secure £12million for Xherdan Shaqiri after finally receiving an official bid for the Swiss midfielder. Shaqiri has been put up for sale this summer and has been attracting some interest on the transfer market after helping Switzerland reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
The 29-year-old made just seven starts for Liverpool in all competitions last season and is keen to move on in order to gain regular game time.
Initial reports suggested he had entered the final 12 months of his Reds deal but Liverpool actually have the option to extend by another year, meaning he is effectively under contract until June 2023.
Liverpool are seeking a permanent transfer for Shaqiri, who is on the market alongside Divock Origi, Nat Phillips, Neco Williams, Takumi Minamino and Loris Karius.
While they are keen to sell in order to generate valuable transfer funds and free up space in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, they are also determined to achieve a sizable fee for his services.
The Liverpool Echo reports that, although they have received an approach from Lyon, the club remain a ‘long way apart’ in their valuations.
Shaqiri was not involved in Monday’s 3-1 friendly win over Osasuna, with Liverpool keeping him on the sidelines as a precaution to avoid injury.
He has been open about his wish to leave Anfield and has spoken about a desire to play in Italy’s Serie A.
“I told the Liverpool board I feel ready for a new challenge,” he told Corriere dello Sport recently.
“They accepted my decision and will now consider bids to sell me.
“Who is not in love with the Italian lifestyle? What is really striking is the Italian love for football. It is life in Italy. The fans are incredible.”
Liverpool have already earned good fees by selling Marko Grujic (Porto – £10.5m), Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin – £6.5m) and Harry Wilson (Fulham – £12m).
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