Xherdan Shaqiri has told the media it is no secret he will be leaving relegated Stoke City this summer, but will St Mary's be his destination ?

Speaking to Aargauer Zeitung he said:

"Of course, yes, it is no longer a secret that I will leave Stoke City."

But he also confirmed that he would prefer to stay in the premier League.

"I think the league is perfect for me.

"I would love to stay in England, but I do not want to rule anything out.

"It is the best league with the best players — simple",

But Saints would face interest from both Everton and Spurs, both of whom have more money than sense and from that viewpoint perhaps either would be more attractive to him financially.

However he knows Mark Hughes and that may play some part in his thinking, certainly he would be more likely to get a regular game at Saints than at Spurs.

Shaqiri is believed to have a release clause in his contract of around £12 million and if he was to be signed than it could be a bit of reshuffling in the squad for Saints.

Dusan Tadic could be going out as Shaqiri arrives, Tadic has had a mixed time at St Mary's but overall has been good value for money in his four years so far, he is being linked with a return to Holland and he would fetch somewhere around the £12-15 million mark.

Photo: Action Images

PatfromPoole added 11:44 - Jun 3 When he says “it is the best League”, he means “it pays the most money”, yes?
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helpineedsomebody added 11:52 - Jun 3 rather jack grealish + he is a lot younger
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the_saint added 12:57 - Jun 3 Shacky, promes and decent c/b in and boufel, Davis, redmond and long out
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underweststand added 13:45 - Jun 3 Shaqiri is one of those players "I loved to hate" ..mainly because he seemed to be an annoying s*d who always seems to create havoc in our midfield , and tackled a bit too hard on occasions...and may even have scored against us (?) - not sure about that. However,..now things are different, and if Mark Hughes wants to sign him...I'm more than happy with that. On occasions our midfield seems overloaded with " skill " but a tad short on " muscle" . Romeu DAJFU, but gets too many yellow cards in the process. As someone who recalls (with joy) the likes of Jimmy('s) Gabriel and Case ... I'd welcome a "ball-winner " in the squad, and so my vote Les....... is YES ....and ASAP.

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highfield49 added 16:43 - Jun 3 Quality attacking mid-field or wing player who not only scores goals but also does well in the assist ratings. The big benefit of course is that he understands Hughes' style of play and would slot straight into the team. Davis and Boufal may well not be in the club's future plans and Tadic or Redmond might also need to be moved on depending as to whether Lemina remains at St Mary's. Apart from Everton and Spurs, who both have new grounds to fund and may not be free spending at present, there are a few clubs who would benefit from his signature. Could be a very good signing if we can get him and about a third of the money Villa appear to want for Grealish.

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legod7 added 17:48 - Jun 3 When Man Utd enquired the transfer fee for Grealish was mentioned as £40m It’s a lot of money for a player who didn’t cover himself in glory the last time Villa were in the Premier League.
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skiptonsaint added 23:12 - Jun 3 I would be looking at a bit more than 12 to 15m for Tadic with his proven assist record in the premier league personally. 4th choice French strikers go for 19million now. As for Shapiri I have said that the most important thing for me now is we mix it up a bit in our buying and get some premier league experience along with buys for the future Would he be a bit of a leader as well ? Always looks vocal

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BoondockSaint added 02:15 - Jun 4 Why would Tadic have to go? The only offensive talent we have? I would like to see him and Shaqiri work together with a proper striker. Plus we need a dead ball specialist and Shaqiri fits the bill.
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SaintBrock added 11:58 - Jun 4 Always looked over weight, unfit and self-centered to me. Not at all an ideal fit in a team already packed full of prima donnas.
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GeordieSaint added 14:13 - Jun 4 Zero chance of that one happening.
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LoisDeem added 16:26 - Jun 4 Sparky should send Les (he might be more popular in the five towns) to get this done. This however not necessarily at Dusan's expense. Both could WORK in the same team, and squad at least, that's if we're intending to score more goals next time around.
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