Liverpool plotting renewed swoop for outbound Anzhi star

With Luis Suarez back in the starting line up and in amongst the goals, Liverpool are thought to be keen on further bolstering their front line in January as the Reds look to solidify their push for a top four finish.

Brendan Rodgers’ side currently share a footing at the top of the Premier League with Arsenal after their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace and find themselves priced up at 6/5 to qualify for the Champions League.

With Suarez and Daniel Sturridge’s partnership looking particularly fearsome, Rodgers wants to throw a physical dimension into the mix and Ivorian striker Lacina Traore is believed to be his top target.

The towering frontman is one of the few remaining high earners on the Anzhi Makhachkala wage bill and is set to follow the star names that departed the Dagestan outfit prior to the transfer window’s closure.

Back when the Russian top tier club were flush with cash they shelled out £15m to bring Traore in, but in their desperation to reduce costs, will accept something closer to half that amount to see the back of him.

Liverpool, who saw a deal to sign him scuppered at the 11th hour by Anzhi a year ago, must fend off competition from several of his present club’s domestic rivals, as well as suitors elsewhere on the continent.

Having bagged 13 goals in his previous 27 outings, the 23-year-old has demonstrated he has the knowledge to locate the back of the net, as well as offering his side valuable hold up play and ball retention qualities that would see him slot in nicely alongside the pace-loaded stars that line the Reds attack at present.

Liverpool have given themselves an excellent chance of returning to Europe’s premier competition this season and forward of the Traore mould could well see them over the line.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date