Reds target to stay at Rostov for now, says agent
Sardar Azmoun is in no hurry to leave FC Rostov, according to his agent – but admits he would keep an open mind about any offers.
Liverpool are monitoring a number of highly-rated youngsters across Europe, of which the Iranian striker is one of, as they consider boosting their attacking options in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old joined Rostov in the summer on a two-year contract, after helping fire the Russian club to second place during his loan spell at the club last season.
Azmoun, who scored against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month, is attracting interest from a number of top European sides.
Yet his representative, Mehdi Hagitali, claims Azmoun is focusing on his future with Rostov – citing the forward’s relationship with current manager Kurban Berdyev as a key factor.
"I read about the interest in Sardar from Liverpool, but I can say that at present there have been no formal proposals from either foreign or Russian clubs," Hagitali reportedly said.
"Now his main goal is to become the best striker in the Russian Premier League.
"Kurban Berdyev is like a father-figure, and he would like to work with the coach."
Azmoun scored nine goals in 24 appearances for Rostov last season, but has only managed one league goal in the current campaign.
Known as the ‘Iranian Lionel Messi’, Azmoun has notched 16 goals in 22 appearances at international level.
But despite seemingly committing his client’s short-term future to Rostov, Hagitali is not ruling out a move in the future, adding: "If some proposals come, we will look at them."
Jurgen Klopp has recently admitted he may look to the transfer market to bolster his squad in January, with Danny Ings missing the rest of the season through injury and Sadio Mane away with Senegal to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Borussia Dortmund’s American attacker Christian Pulisic also remains on the club’s radar, though the Bundesliga club are reluctant to do business.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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