Stoke break transfer record to seal Xherdan Shaqiri signing

Stoke have announced the completion of a club-record £12m (€17m) deal for midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

The 23-year-old joins from Inter Milan on a five-year deal just weeks after the move appeared to be dead.

The Switzerland winger could make his Stoke debut in Saturday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham.

Manager Mark Hughes said: “He’s a dynamic and explosive player who will bring something different to the group and at the age of 23 he still has a great deal of potential.

“In the chats I’ve had with him it’s obvious that he’s excited about playing in the Premier League and showing what he’s capable of.”

A switch appeared to be off in July when the club’s deadline for the move to be completed was not met and Hughes confirmed they had “stepped aside” to focus on other targets.

Shaqiri has scored 17 goals in 46 appearances for Switzerland and helped Bayern Munich win the Champions League in 2013.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes added: “It’s no secret that we have been pursuing Xherdan for some time now and we are delighted to have finally secured his signature.

“He’s an exciting young player who is really looking forward to playing in the Premier League having played at the very highest level in Germany with Bayern Munich and in Italy with Inter.

“Xherdan will be a fantastic addition to our squad and adds to the attacking options at the manager’s disposal.”

Shaqiri said: “I am very happy, and incredibly excited that this transfer to Stoke City has finally happened.”

“Over the past three days I have met great people at the club and witnessed the wonderful atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. That experience was overwhelming.

“My special thanks go to the manager, Mark Hughes, chief executive Tony Scholes and Mark Cartwright for their work in helping to make this deal happen over the past few months.

“I sincerely appreciate it so much, and will give my utmost to pay them and the supporters back on the pitch over the coming months and years.

“I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates and make my debut for the club. It feels great to finally be a Potter!”

Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has urged fans to be patient amid growing disquiet over the club’s lack of transfer business.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley and forward Gerard Deulofeu are the only acquisitions so far — and they were both signed in June.

Manager Roberto Martinez is keen to sign a number 10 and a centre-back but supporters are growing increasingly discontented with the lack of activity to bolster a squad which finished 11th last season.

Everton have spent the least of all Premier League clubs this summer but Barry has asked for fans to remain calm.

“It is just about being patient,” he said.

“It is always hard to be patient being a fan. You want players joining your club to excite you and give you something different to look at.

“Every club does things differently and if that means leaving business till late then that is the way Everton do it.

“I am sure the manager and chairman (Bill Kenwright) have something up their sleeves to excite fans.”

Swansea have re-signed goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel on a two-year deal, the Premier League club have announced.