Liverpool are lining up a January bid for long-term target Lacina Traore after the towering striker was told he could leave struggling Anzhi Makhachkala.

Brendan Rodgers has been chasing the Ivorian international for some time and failed to sign him last year when the Russian Premier League club decided to pull out of the deal at the last minute.

However, Anzhi's continuing financial problems have led the player's agent to claim he will be allowed to leave in the next transfer window - following the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Willian and Christopher Samba out of the club.

According to the Metro, agent Dmitry Selyuk said: 'If a good offer arrives that suits us then Lacina is free to leave in January.

'The demand for him is huge in Russia and especially in Europe.'

At 6ft 8in, Traore is one inch taller than even former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and would be the tallest player in the Premier League alongside Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon should he arrive.

The 23-year-old, who has also been linked with high-flying Arsenal in the past, cost Anzhi £15million in July 2012 but is expected to leave for half that fee as the Russian club are desperate to remove high earners from their books.

Traore has scored 13 goals in his last 27 games for Anzhi - while Rodgers has previously admitted he wants to sign another centre forward as the club continue to push for European football.

Source: Daily Mail