Tottenham are leading Southampton in the race to sign Stoke City playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, according to a report from Graeme Bailey for The Gambling Times.
The Swiss international has recently declared his intention to leave the Potters, alerting a host of Premier League sides to his availability. He also stated he wished to remain in the top-flight, after Stoke were consigned to relegation to the Championship.
It is understood that Shaqiri was a target for Mauricio Pochettino in January, and now Spurs could be set to sign the 26-year-old for around £13.5m, which is apparently the valuation of his release clause. 
Southampton have reportedly been hoping that they could lure Shaqiri to the South Coast, with a reunion with former Stoke boss Mark Hughes potentially tempting prospect. But Saints could be beaten to his signature, with Spurs said to be in pole position in the race for his signature.
The South Coast side will be looking to bolster their attack for next season, to try and avoid a repeat of last term’s calamities. So far, they are said to be in the race to sign Lazio winger Felipe Anderson and Quincy Promes from Spartak Moscow.




