West Ham target Shaqiri confirms he’ll leave Stoke

West Ham are eyeing a number of improvements to their side in the summer transfer market and have received encouragement to push ahead in the chase for one reported target.

The Hammers have been linked with a move for Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri, as they seek to bolster their attacking lines, and the Switzerland international has confirmed he’ll leave Staffordshire in the coming months.

Currently preparing for the World Cup in Russia, Shaqiri made his intentions to seek a transfer clear and West Ham can land his services for a fee of just £13.5m, due to a relegation clause in his contract.

Quoted by The Stoke Sentinel, Shaqiri confirmed to Swiss reporters that he will leave and revealed his preference would be to remain in English football.

“Yes, of course. It is no secret that I will leave the club.”

“I would love to stay in England, I think the league is perfect for me. It’s the best league with the best players, but I do not want to exclude anything.”

“Everyone wants to compete with the best, that was one reason why I chose the Premier League. And that’s why I want to take the next step now.”

26-year-old Shaqiri played 36 Premier League matches for Stoke last term, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.