Franz Beckenbauer says Xherdan Shaqiri is free to leave during January transfer window

Out-of-favour midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is free to leave Bayern Munich during the winter transfer window, according to the Bundesliga champions' honorary president Franz Beckenbauer.

Shaqiri has struggled mightily to find regular playing time with the supremely talented German club, despite his superb performance at the 2014 World Cup with Switzerland.

As a result, it appears the club is willing to grant him his wish.

"Bayern have already signaled to him that he can probably leave in the winter break, if he wants to," Beckenbauer told Sky Sport Deutschland. "I think it's a shame, though, because he's amazingly talented."

His attempts to move away from the Allianz Arena during the summer transfer window were blocked by Bayern Munich when Premier League side Liverpool submitted a bid for Shaqiri's services.

In addition to Liverpool, ESPNFC reports that Juventus and Napoli are interested in obtaining the 23-year-old.

While Bayern Munich appear to be running away with the Bundesliga title once again, Shaqiri has barely contributed to the cause after starting only three league matches and appearing in four Champions League contests. 

His three Bundesliga starts match his World Cup totals, yet he was able to contribute three goals in Brazil compared to the lone tally with Bayern.

- With translation from ESPNFC