Barcelona reportedly join Spurs and Liverpool in race to sign Shaqiri

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Liverpool and Spurs were thought to be leading the race to sign Xherdan Shaqiri but now Barcelona are showing interest in the Stoke star.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde wants to boost his attacking options with the signing of Stoke City forward Xherdan Shaqiri, according to Spanish publication Don Balon.

Valverde is keen to be able to bring a player off the bench during a game that offers dribbling skills and versatility going forwards and as a result has turned to Shaqiri.

The 54-year-old doesn’t want to have Ousmane Dembele on the bench and while he already has an out-and-out striker in Paco Alcacer, now needs someone to complement the Spain international.

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A move to the Camp Nou is likely to appeal to Shaqiri, but whether a place among the substitutes would remains to be seen.

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This latest news could come as a blow to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, who according to the Gambling Times are the two Premier League teams most likely to sign the Switzerland international.

Everton, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to be interested in Shaqiri, who would prefer to stay in the top flight of English football if possible.