Roberto Mancini backs Xherdan Shaqiri for Stoke City success

Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has claimed that Xherdan Shaqiri would be a success if he played in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri and reports have emerged claiming that Stoke City have had a £12m offer for the Switzerland international accepted by his club.

"If we signed [Davide Santon and Shaqiri] in January, then it's because we believed in them," Mancini told reporters.

"We have the restriction of a 25-man squad, so we'll have to do something, and reluctantly some will have to leave. I think they will do well in the Premier League."

Shaqiri started eight league games for Inter last season, following his move from Bayern Munich.