It's not surprising in the sense that it's been rumoured for a few weeks but nonetheless there's not too many fans who could have predicted that Stoke would sign Xherdan Shaqiri this summer.
The Swiss attacker has been one of Europe's hottest properties for a few years now and although move to Bayern Munich didn't really work out, clubs were still lining up to take him off their hands in January. Inter Milan won the battle (reportedly) over the likes of Liverpool and Shaqiri was all set to take Serie A by storm.
Once again, it didn't really work out. Now, Inter are looking to cut their losses and surprisingly it's Stoke who look to be winning the race. Sky Italia are reporting that a €17 million fee has already been agreed.
Granted it's only a fee agreed between clubs but it's unlikely the Potteries side would make that kind of offer without some kind of encouragement that the 23 year old would be willing to join Mark Hughes' side.
There was quite a bit of surprise when Stoke signed Bojan last summer but if they were to complete this deal for Shaqiri, it would blow that completely out of the water. Things may not have worked out for him at Bayern or Inter but, as anyone who saw the World Cup will know, Shaqiri is a genuine talent and he would surely have a huge impact the Britannia.
