Givemefootball.com: Reds target Ivorian star

Liverpool are being linked with a shock move for former Leeds United winger Max Gradel.

The 24-year-old Ivorian international currently plies his trade in Ligue 1, signing for Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2011 after five professional seasons with three different teams in England.

Gradel began his career at Leicester City, but enjoyed spells on loan at Bournemouth and Leeds United before signing permanently at Elland Road in 2010.

But, after a successful first full campaign in Yorkshire, the 14-cap Ivory Coast star moved to his current club in France, signing a four-year deal at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

His form has alerted clubs over a possible move however, with Liverpool and Ukranian giants Shaktar Donnetsk both eyeing the player.

Indeed, talkSPORT claims that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has scouted the player 'extensively', and is looking to improve his attacking options at Anfield in the transfer window.

Gradel, who can play both out wide and up-front, could provide another dimension to the Merseyside giants in 2013.

Source: Givemefootball.com