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Liverpool FC are considering an approach for Bayern Munich’s World Cup midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

And Brendan Rodgers is also running the rule over Southampton defender Dejan Lovren as he starts to ramp up his summer recruitment drive.

The Reds boss has made Lovren’s club team-mate, England international Adam Lallana, his prime target.

But with Southampton thought to be holding out for more than £20million, Liverpool are assessing other options.

And 22-year-old Shaqiri, who will star for Switzerland in Brazil next month, has emerged as a potential target.

Bayern would be tempted with a bid of around £15m for the player, who has not been a regular since moving from Basel in 2012.

Rodgers is also keen to bolster a defence that leaked 50 goals in the Premier League, with 24-year-old Croatia international Lovren – who scored the winner for Southampton against Liverpool at Anfield last September – at the top of his shopping list.

Lovren would not come cheap, but Fenway Sports Group are prepared to hand Rodgers a sizeable transfer kitty plus whatever funds are raised through sales. The Reds boss is tracking Sevilla’s Europa League-wining left-back Alberto Moreno, while Swansea duo goalkeeper Michel Vorm and striker Wilfried Bony, and Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand are among several other names linked.

Meanwhile, two-time Brazil World Cup winner Cafu has cast his eye over Jon Flanagan, the man who has been compared to him by Reds fans.

Supporters have dubbed the full-back ‘the Scouse Cafu’ on the strength of his marauding performances, and Cafu was persuaded to watch the youngster in person at Anfield in the final game of the season against Newcastle United last Sunday.

And the Brazilian believes the Liverpool man, who he met before the match, shares some of the qualities that made him a success.

“I first started hearing about him by watching Premier League matches and observing his performance along with other players,” said the 43-year-old.

“I then started seeing some news saying he is the Red Cafu!

“So there’s nothing better than coming to the city and taking a picture with my successor.

“He is a good player; still young and developing, but already gaining recognition at Liverpool and he might even have an opportunity with the English national team.

“He’ll be a great English player in the future.

“He has speed, strength and determination.

“He’s an athlete who goes after it and never gives it up.

“That’s exactly what I used to do; there were no missing chances for me, no tiredness and no being dejected.

“I see that style in him too. I hope he continues that way and achieves as many trophies as I did.”

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