Liverpool Transfer News: Xherdan Shaqiri Revelation, Martin Odegaard Eyes Dream

Liverpool's summer business has come under intense scrutiny of late, and some fans may be angered to hear that Xherdan Shaqiri may have joined their ranks had Bayern Munich not blocked the switch.

The Allianz Arena fringe star recently gave a candid interview to Swiss newspaper Blick (h/t the London Evening Standard's Tom Collamosse), hinting at his frustrations under Pep Guardiola:

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After the World Cup I sensed it was better for me to try something else and I wasn’t short of offers. Liverpool showed the greatest interest but Bayern decided not to let me go and in the end there was nothing I could do. I have to get on with it – we will meet again in the winter and discuss my situation.

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The Reds have long been associated with the winger's talent. Shaqiri has long cut a frustrated figure at Bayern, but when he's played regularly, he's recognised among the top young talents in Europe.

It's clear the 23-year-old is capable of bigger things were he not competing with the likes of Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller for playing time. Bleacher Report's Stefan Bienkowski attests to the bit-part role he's come to adopt since moving to Bavaria:

Liverpool recently brought in Lazar Markovic and Adam Lallana as wide talents who are also capable of occupying more central positions—attributes similar to that of Shaqiri.

However, many Reds supporters may have preferred to see the Swiss international join their ranks. To learn they may have been close to doing so will cause more frustration as Brendan Rodgers' summer signings struggle to impress.

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At the very least, Shaqiri's most recent comments would suggest he is still very much focused on cutting out a first-team future for himself. For all the silverware ambitions he might have at Bayern, seniority looks to be a key priority for the playmaker.

Completing that deal will take some graft, but the prospect of landing Stromsgodset prodigy Martin Odegaard may have grown more realistic after the youngster described Liverpool as his "dream club."

The 15-year-old Norwegian is being tipped as a future force on the European scene and this week told German newspaper Bild (h/t Daily Star's Colin Harvey) of his love for the Anfield outfit:

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Liverpool have always been my dream club. But I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club. It's all about finding the team that is best for me and for my development.  That is not necessarily Liverpool.

I haven't really thought about my future yet. I will end the season here and then visit a number of clubs. I have not made a final decision yet, though. I don't know what will happen in the future. Of course, it's flattering when you hear that big clubs are after you, but I don't think about it too often.

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To dub the youngster underripe would be a vast understatement. With a seemingly cool head on his shoulders, it's likely Odegaard will continue to develop in his native Norway for the time being.

However, some of the world's biggest outfits are mentioned as being interested in the attacking midfielder, with ESPN FC confirming German giants Bayern and Borussia Dortmund among that number:

Rodgers' side would appear to hold some sense of urgency, as reported by Harvey as having offered Odegaard a trial at Liverpool and a chance to look around the Melwood training ground in a bid to realise his dream move.

Odegaard may prove a case of torn allegiances. At some point, the player will have to decide if he chases his dream or joins a club who can offer better guarantees of silverware.

Given how their 2014-15 campaign is going—Liverpool currently sit 11th in the Premier League—the Merseysiders may not be considered among the world-class legions, in comparison to Real Madrid, Bayern and Co.

However, Odegaard's admiration of the Liverpool brand is an edge other suitors cannot boast, and it is something the club may well do their utmost to capitalise upon in 2015.