Liverpool have been linked with a move for Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

The 26-year-old is currently on international duty with Switzerland for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Reporter Vinny O’Connor revealed on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast that a Liverpool move for Shaqiri is unlikely but that it could change after the Fekir deal broke down.

O’Conner said: “They’ve been linked with Xherdan Shaqiri but I’ve been told that’s perhaps unlikely. Whether that changes with what’s happened with Fekir, [I don’t know].

“Someone they’ve been interested in Thomas Lemar but I’ve been given no indication that they’re going to go back in for him.

“What I did get out of Liverpool from an unofficial source is that it’s still foot on the ball as the World Cup starts with recruitment. Take that as you want.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure what that means but they are still trying to fill those vital, creative areas that of course, with the departure of Coutinho, it’s not lacking as such, but they want that extra spark in midfield.”

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Stoke boss Gary Rowett has admitted that the winger could leave following the Potters relegation to the Championship.

The Swiss ace does have a £12 million release clause in his contract after dropping from the Premier League.

The latest development will come as a boost for Galatasaray.

Turkish-Football understands that the Lions are plotting a move for Shaqiri and have made an enquiry.

The Super Lig outfit want the winger on a loan move which would allow Stoke to keep hold of Shaqiri while they fight for promotion next season.

Should the Potters ensure promotion it could increase their chances of keeping the Switzerland international on a long-term deal.

Galatasaray would be able to offer first-team and Champions League football next season.