Liverpool are plotting a move for Sardar Azmoun in the January transfer window.
Azmoun has previously attracted interest from several Premier League sides including the Reds’ local rivals Everton after excelling with FC Rostov.
Newly-appointed sporting director Michael Edwards is now leading Anfield’s scouting operation and has identified the 21-year-old among the club’s prospective incoming with the backing of Jurgen Klopp.
The forward became an influential figure in Rostov’s Champions League adventure, with goals in qualification games against Ajax and Anderlecht as well as scoring in last week’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
A host of European clubs are also monitoring Azmoun but he revealed last year that his preference is to secure a move to England.
“My main goal is to play in Premier League,” he said at the time.
“I’ve taken a lot of good advice to stay in Russia to gain more experience.”
A planned move for Azmoun, dubbed Iran’s answer to Lionel Messi, will look to address Liverpool’s death of attacking options heading into the second half of the season.
Klopp has already lost Danny Ings to a second season-ending injury while summer signing Sadio Mane is set to be unavailable in January due to Senegal’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.