Liverpool are considering an approach for Bayern Munich's World Cup midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

And Brendan Rodgers is also running the rule over Southampton defender Dejan Lovren as he starts to ramp up his summer recruitment drive.

The Reds boss has made Lovren's club teammate, England international Adam Lallana, his prime target.

But with Southampton thought to be holding out for more than £20million, Liverpool are assessing other options.

And 22-year-old Shaqiri, who will star for Switzerland in Brazil next month, has emerged as a potential target.

Bayern would be tempted with a bid of around £15m for the player, who has not been a regular since moving from Basel in 2012.

Rodgers is also keen to bolster a defence that leaked 50 goals in the Premier League, with 24-year-old Croatia international Lovren - who scored the winner for Southampton against Liverpool at Anfield last September - at the top of his shopping list.

Lovren would not come cheap, but Fenway Sports Group are prepared to hand Rodgers a sizeable transfer kitty plus whatever funds are raised through sales.

The Reds boss is tracking Sevilla's Europa League-wining left-back Alberto Moreno, while Swansea duo goalkeeper Michel Vorm and striker Wilfried Bony, and Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand are among several other names linked.

Source: Liverpool Echo