Tottenham appears to be ahead of Galatasaray in the race to sign Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri this summer.

The Switzerland international was a part of the Stoke City side who were relegated to the Championship this season.

During an interview with the Swiss outlet Aargauer Zeitung, Shaqiri confirmed that he will leave Stoke this summer but signalled his intent to remain in the Premier League.

“It is no secret that I will leave the club,” Shaqiri told Aargauer Zeitung.

“I think the [Premier] 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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The news will come as a blow to Galatasaray who have been closely linked with a move for the former Bayern Munich man in recent weeks.

The Lions manager Fatih Terim is understood to be a huge fan of Shaqiri and has been trying to convince the 26-year-old to make a move to Istanbul.

Meanwhile, the Mirror state that both Tottenham and Southampton are interested in activating the Stoke City star’s £12 million release clause.

Shaqiri scored eight goals in 36 games for Stoke City this term. The Switzerland international winger has two years remaining on his contract with the Potters.