Liverpool scout FC Rostov forward Sardar Azmoun

Tehran Times – LIVERPOOL, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp is considering a move to sign another forward in the January transfer window following a long-term injury to Danny Ings.

Ings’ layoff is set to coincide with Sadio Mane‘s spell at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, which could see the winger absent from January 14 to February 5.

As a result, according to widespread reports including Tony Barrett the Guardian‘s Andy Hunter, Klopp has identified Azmoun as a possible target.

Azmoun has scored 15 goals in 20 games for Iran, and joined Rostov from Rubin Kazan under controversial circumstances in the summer after a previous 18-month loan spell with the club, thisisanfield.com reported.

The 21-year-old forward, Azmoun has Champions League experience with Rostov, scoring against both Anderlecht and Ajax in the qualification stages and most recently against Atletico Madrid in a 2-1 in the group stage.

He has, typically, been nicknamed the Iranian Messi, and has been previously linked with a move to Everton.

It is unclear as to how serious Liverpool’s interest in Azmoun is, but links with the young forward suggest Klopp is intent on adding another option to his attacking ranks in January.

This is despite already having Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Adam Lallana and Sheyi Ojo as options in the wide and central roles in his regular attacking three.

Borussia Dortmund teenager Christian Pulisic has been mooted as another possible target, following a failed £11 million bid for the USMNT international in the summer.

But with Pulisic establishing himself as a key player at the Westfalenstadion in 2016/17, Klopp’s attention may be turned elsewhere.

Opting for Azmoun would likely provide a cost-effective alternative who, at 21, has the scope to develop within the German’s demanding attacking system and, at 6’1″, adds height to his squad.