Mourinho wanted Shaqiri

As reported yesterday by Metro, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was keen to sign attacker Xherdan Shaqiri before being beaten to the punch by Jurgen Klopp.

The Red Devils boss wanted to bring the diminutive Swiss international to Old Trafford after he became available for just £12.5million following Stoke City’s relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season. According to Blick, however, Klopp was quicker off the mark and wasted no time persuading Shaqiri to choose Anfield as his next destination.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool takes on the goalkeeper in the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham at Anfield on August 12, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

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As with many of our recent signings, Shaqiri was impressed with Klopp’s attitude and won over by his vision for Liverpool, rejecting interest from United, Southampton and West Ham to sign for the Reds in what’s increasingly looking like a bargain deal.

After a string of eye-catching performances in pre-season (including a spectacular overhead-kicked goal against Man United, no less), Shaqiri made his Premier League debut for Liverpool with ten minutes to go in the opening game against West Ham. His vigour on the pitch suggested that he’s already keen to impress his new manager and dispel the “lazy” accusations that were bandied about at the time of his transfer.

Shaqiri will no doubt get some more game time against Crystal Palace on Monday as Klopp continues to integrate him into the squad.

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Source: anfieldhq.com