Liverpool and Manchester United Target Xherdan Shaqiri Admits Bayern Munich Stay is Likely

Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has struck a telling blow to Manchester United and Liverpool's transfer plans after revealing he believes he will still be with the Bundesliga champions next season.

The Switzerland international has been heavily linked with moves to the Premier League giants after growing frustrated with his peripheral role at the Allianz Arena last term.

After starting just 10 league games under Pep Guardiola last season Shaqiri appeared to signal his desire to leave the club last month, admitting that a move to England was of interest to him.

However the 22-year-old appears to have backtracked on those comments, telling Swiss newspaper Blick he believes he will still be at Bayern next season.

A number of reports had suggested Liverpool have moved ahead of their arch rivals United in the race to sign Shaqiri for a fee in the region of £15m. The club's participation in next season's Champions League also gives them a significant advantage over Louis van Gaal's side after Shaqiri underlined his own European ambitions.

The former Basel starlet has largely struggled to hold down a first team role following his move from the Swiss champions in 2012 despite his ability to operate in a number of positions. The Switzerland international is equally adept on both flanks as well as through the middle, qualities Rodgers recently eulogised when discussing the calibre of player he is looking to bring to the club this summer.

While the club have also been in talks to sign Southampton's Adam Lallana, a move for Shaqiri would likely prove to be the cheaper deal with Saints reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £25m for the England international.

United meanwhile are reportedly weighing up a bid for former Liverpool target Yevhen Konoplyanka. The FC Dnipro winger was on the verge of a move to Anfield during the January transfer window until the deal fell through at the 11<sup>th hour. Liverpool's loss could be United's gain as the Guardian suggest Louis van Gaal is considering meeting the 24-year-old's €15m buyout clause and making him his first signing at Old Trafford.