Givemesport - Liverpool have entered the race to land Rubin Kazan forward Sardar Azmoun, according to the Express.

The report has suggested that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is ready to step up in his pursuit of the man that has been dubbed the Iranian Messi as he looks to improve his forward options at Anfield.

Struggles

After selling Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez in the last transfer window, the likes of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have failed to prove their credentials throughout the course of the campaign so far.

Star striker Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, has been out with a long term injury, meaning winger Raheem Sterling has often operated in the forward department.

Azmoun, then, could be the man Rodgers turns to as he goes in search of long term success at Liverpool. Rated at around £5 million, the youngster would certainly prove quite the coup for the Reds chief, but it remains to be seen as to whether the hierarchy step up their interest in the player in the near future.

With the player at such a young age, it remains to be seen as to whether the club would even throw him straight into the first team or whether they'd opt to loan him out. Belgian ace Divock Origi was purchased this past summer, however the club sent him back to French outfit Lille, but it appears unlikely that the club will look to recall him before the end of this campaign.

Huge interest

It certainly won't be easy for Liverpool to land their man, however, with their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham also interested in the player's services.

On the talented youngster, Rubin CEO Ayrat Garayev recently admitted that the club would consider an official offer for his services.

He told Izvestia: "Sardar Azmoun is a Rubin player and has a valid contract with our club.

"We are waiting for his return from the Asian Cup and looking forward to having him for the remainder of the season.

"We have had approaches for Sardar, but I see no reason to discuss them until they become official."

It now appears, then, that some of the Premier League's top clubs will battle for the youngster's signature, as he continues his rise up the footballing ladder.