Xherdan Shaqiri Transfer Rumours: Latest News and Speculation on Bayern Star

Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has revealed that Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri will likely leave the club in January, having been told he can depart the Bavarian club.

Shaqiri, 23, moved to the Allianz Arena in 2012 but has found playing time increasingly difficult to come by in spite of standout showings with the Swiss national side in the interim period.

With Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery still ahead of him in the Bayern pecking order, there appears little sign of the outlook improving anytime soon.

According to the Liverpool Echo's Peter Guy, Beckenbauer told German channel Sport1:

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Bayern have already sent out a signal and indicated to him that he can probably go into the winter break, when he wants. I think it's a shame because he is a great talent.

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Beckenbauer's words will put clubs Europe-wide on alert, with the former FC Basel talent having been on the radar of many of the continent's top clubs from an early age.

Blessed with wonderful balance and sleight of foot, Shaqiri's potential to reach the top level of the game has never been in doubt, but it would now appear unlikely he will reach such heights with Bayern.

Foremost among the sides looking to capture his signature will likely be Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, whom the Independent's Jamie Orr quoted the Swiss star as identifying as a club who attempted to buy him this summer, only to be rejected.

Shaqiri has only continued to make headlines since, however, including this special goal only last week:

With new signings Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana yet to make the desired impact from wide areas as the Reds' poor start to the season continues, Shaqiri's suggested £15 million price-tag could prove tempting come January.

The Mirror's Liam Prenderville, meanwhile, reported just days ago that Shaqiri could even be a target for Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United side, with the Dutchman keen to add wide options to his squad.

The report suggested that a swap deal could be negotiated involving Pep Guardiola-favourite Ander Herrera and £7 million in cash, although such an agreement would seem unlikely given that the Red Devils parted with over £30 million for Herrera just a few months ago.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

For United, though, £15 million is certainly an affordable price and Shaqiri may prove tempting as they seek to fire their way back into the top four this season.

Shaqiri's new-found availability is likely caused by his contract status, with the above Independent article suggesting his current deal expires in June 2016—just 18 months from now.

With no sign of a renewal in the offing, Bayern must look to sell now if they are to get a reasonable fee for their player. Given the long-standing interest of both Liverpool and United, their best hope of a fee nearing the Swiss star's true value would appear to be a bidding war between the two English giants. That, for the moment, remains unlikely.