Liverpool are reportedly keen on Rostov striker Sardar Azmoun.
According to The Guardian, Liverpool are lining up a January move to sign Rostov striker Sardar Azmoun, with Jurgen Klopp allegedly concerned about his attacking options heading in 2017.
The Reds saw Danny Ings suffer another long-term knee injury last week, ruling him for the rest of the season, whilst key attacker Sadio Mane will miss playing time early into 2017 as he will be playing for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sardar Azmoun
Klopp will still have options at his disposal in Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi, but it seems that the Liverpool boss is keen to bring in another striker during the January transfer window.
The Guardian report that Liverpool are interested in signing Rostov hitman Sardar Azmoun, having been monitoring his progress throughout the season.
Sardar Azmoun celebrates
Azmoun, 21, was highly thought of during his time at Rubin Kazan, even being dubbed ‘the Iranian Lionel Messi’, and after seven goals in 32 games, he was farmed out on loan to Russian Premier League rivals Rostov.
Initially a three-and-a-half month loan deal, Azmoun started his loan deal in February 2015 and ended it this past summer, before controversy hit; Rostov triggered a buyout clause to purchase Azmoun, and after Rubin Kazan claimed the clause never existed, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in Rostov’s favour temporarily, with a final decision pending.
Sardar Azmoun celebrates scoring for Rostov against Atletico Madrid
That could make any deal for Azmoun complicated and difficult, but Liverpool are believed to be keen on the striker, who has hit 17 goals in 55 games for Rostov, including a recent strike away at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, whilst he’s also scored a superb 16 goals in 22 games for Iran at international level.
Azmoun is something of an all-round striker; strong and tall at 6ft 1in, but quick and good with the ball at his feet too, and could give Liverpool another attacker to play in Firmino’s role under Klopp, rather than a direct replacement for pacey winger Mane.
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