Besiktas launch £12m bid for Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri

Turkish outfit Besiktas have lodged an enquiry to Stoke City over the availability of playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri. 

Besiktas believe the lure of Champions League football next year could tempt the midfielder into a move, although they will be unlikely to match his current salary. 

However, With Gokhan Tore set to move to West Ham, Besiktas are already on the lookout for a replacement and, according to reports in Turkey, they view the Switzerland international as the ideal man to fill the void. 

Stoke City are unlikely to co-operate in any negotiations for Shaqiri after splashing out £12m on him last summer. 

The 24-year-old made a positive start to his Premier League career, making 27 starts and scoring three goals for the Midlands club.