Lazio put off by Liverpool man’s demands despite tempting price tag

Xherdan Shaqiri

Lazio are reportedly set to turn their attention elsewhere, despite being quoted a reasonable price for Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Serie A giants are looking to add to their creative midfield ranks this summer. They had targeted David Silva, but were left disappointed by his decision to sign for Real Sociedad instead.

Lazio, however, have very quickly moved on. They have been linked with old boy Felipe Anderson, amid claims he will be moved on by West Ham.

However, the Liverpool Echo cite Italian reports and namecheck Shaqiri as their newest target.

The Swiss international, 28, has been a dependable performer when called upon by Jurgen Klopp. However, those calls to arms have been few and far between over the last 12 months.

Amid persistent injury struggles, Shaqiri made just seven appearances across all competitions for the Reds last term.

The Echo report claims Shaqiri is a player Lazio have ‘looked at before’, having considered him back in 2018 when Anderson left.

Il Corriere dello Sport claims there is ‘a strong desire’ from Liverpool to move Shaqiri on this summer. The Italian paper claims il Biancocelesti have been quoted a fee of €10m – €12m to bring the Swiss back to Serie A.

 

However, the paper notes Lazio also have other irons in the fire. They state Celta Vigo’s former Barcelona man Rafinha is also under consideration.

Il Corriere dello Sport claims a deal for the Italian international looks the likelier deal to get done because the ‘investment for Shaqiri would be more substantial’. Shaqiri has three years remaining on his deal at Anfield and is believed to be a package of £65,000 a week.

Rafinha is, ironically, the brother of Thiago Alcantara, the Bayern Munich midfielder linked with Liverpool. Rafinha’s move to Lazio ahead of Shaqiri could inadvertently prevent Liverpool signing Thiago.

 

Klopp has new concern over Thiago deal

Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to make sure a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara does not disrupt the harmony within the dressing room, according to a report.

Thiago’s seven-year, trophy-laden spell with Bayern will likely end this summer. He has turned a new deal, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rumminegge willing to negotiate a “fair offer”.

The Spain international is reportedly keen to move to Liverpool. Indeed, Bayern boss Hansi Flick has said he would “understand” if Thiago wanted to master a third top European league after his time with Barcelona.

Previous reports have cited Liverpool’s financial reluctance as a key sticking point in a deal. Bayern want around £27million for Thiago, a price Liverpool are currently unwilling to pay.

According to The Independent, however, money is not the definitive problem for Liverpool. Klopp’s midfield is the strongest area of his squad and he is reportedly keen to maintain his team’s morale.

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