TheSportsCampus

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has identified Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore as a potential target after the Ivorian scored against the Reds in their 1-0 defeat to the Russian side in the Europa League.

Traore started his career in his homeland before joining CFR Cluj in 2008. After three years with the Romanian club, the striker moved to Kuban Krasnodar in 2011 and after a series of impressive performances, he was snapped up by Anzhi in June this year.

The player’s agent Dmitry Selyuk said, “Aside from Liverpool, Udinese are another on the list of clubs to have made contact about the purchase of Traore. I'm afraid the Italian side won't be able to meet the player's valuation.” However, Selyuk ruled out the possibility of an immediate switch, when he added, “At the moment Lacina is happy with his situation at Anzhi. Not long ago he signed a new contract until June 2016.”

Liverpool had shown an interest in signing the 6’8” striker even last summer but he chose to move to Anzhi instead. Following his impressive performance against Liverpool last week, the Reds boss has revived the club's pursuit for the 22 year-old, claimed the Metro.

Since Traore just joined Anzhi, a winter bid is unlikely to succeed and Rodgers could be planning a summer swoop for the Ivorian. The striker’s performances are likely to raise his price considerably especially since his contract would have another three years on it next summer. However, Rodgers is struggling with strike options and the Northern Irishman could launch a serious bid to take him to Anfield during the next summer transfer window.