Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle with Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore, according to reports from Izvestia.

Scouts from the Premier League club are believed to have been watching the 6ft. 8” forward for some time and were impressed with his match winning display during clubs’ Europa League clash last week.

The Ivorian has been in good form for the Dagestan-based outfit this term and is reportedly open to a move despite only signing for them during the summer from domestic rivals FC Kuban.

His agent Dmitry Selyuk hinted to the the Russian newspaper that his client could be on his way to England with a deal close to being agreed:

"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."

He also stated that his client will not be rushed into a decision:

"At the moment Lacina is happy with his situation at Anzhi. Not long ago he signed a contract until June 2016. There's no reason for Traore to rush."

With his current employers having shelled out just under £15m for his services not long ago it’s likely that they would be looking to make a profit, which would go against Liverpool’s current transfer ethos.