Liverpool are closing in on a deal with Stoke City for Xherdan Shaqiri, the Switzerland winger. Talks between the clubs are progressing on a transfer that would cost Liverpool more than £12 million and could involve Harry Wilson leaving Anfield to join the Sky Bet Championship club on loan.

Stoke, who were relegated last season, are in pole position to sign Wilson, also a winger, but there is also strong interest in the 21-year-old, who signed a five-year contract this week, from Swansea City and Aston Villa.

Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, believes that Shaqiri, who is on holiday after playing at the World Cup, would be a valuable addition to his squad, having followed the player when the Swiss was with Bayern Munich. Shaqiri,