Dailystar - LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp has sparked transfer speculation after being pictured with a former target.
The Reds were heavily linked with striker Sardar Azmoun last January, who has been dubbed the ‘Iranian Messi’.
The 23-year-old now plays for Rubin Kazan but was at FC Rostov when the Premier League giants were interested.
Klopp reportedly wanted to bring Azmoun to Anfield as cover for Sadio Mane, who was on international duty for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations.
And while the deal never materialised, the forward is being linked with a move to Liverpool again after posting a picture on Instagram alongside the German boss.
Azmoun put the photo up two days ago alongside the caption ‘The best’.
The Iran international revealed last year that Liverpool did approach to sign him but he was not prepared to settle for a place on the bench.
“There were talks of Liverpool having expressed an interest in me during the past winter transfer window,” he told Qatari website SC.
“However, I did not feel the time to move was right.
"I would have ended up playing a few games and then spent a great deal of time on the bench as Liverpool were only looking to fill a void for a particular part of their season.
“I want to move to a big club to develop as a player and therefore I will time the move with great precision.
"I am sure I will be playing for a top European club in the near future.”
Azmoun has managed just one goal in 21 games since moving to Russia so a move to Liverpool is unlikely.
The Reds are currently third in the Premier League, two points behind second-placed Manchester United.
They return to action on Saturday as they welcome West Ham to Anfield.