Liverpool are close to agreeing terms with Xherdan Shaqiri over a move to Anfield.

The Reds are one of a number of clubs to approach Stoke City, but there is little room or need for negotiations as he has a release clause of just over £13million.

With a market value of more than double that, a host of club from the Premier League and Europe have been looking at the Swiss star – although he made it clear early in the summer that he would like to remain in England, as he believes the Premier League suits his style of play.

Tottenham had a long-standing interest and even tried to sign him in January, but now Liverpool have moved into pole position and are pushing ahead with the deal.

Bookmakers have also made a move, as they have now suspended betting on Shaqiri moving to Anfield.

The Stoke City winger was cut to as low as 2/7 favourite to move, but now Paddy Power are refusing to take any further bets on Shaqiri’s future.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “It looks as though Jurgen Klopp has identified a new signing, and no it’s not a keeper to replace leaky-handed Karius, but Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri.

“With talks set to be had, and floods of bets on him making the switch, we’ve suspended the betting and believe it’s a matter of time until he’s announced as a Liverpool player.”