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Liverpool target Sardar Azmoun ready to remain at Rostov for now - agent

FC Rostov forward Sardar Azmoun is in no hurry to leave the club and wants to become the best striker in the Russian Premier League, his representative has said.

Last week, sources told ESPN FC that Liverpool were among a host of clubs monitoring the situation of the 21-year-old Iran international.

One source added that Azmoun would be keen on a move depending on the role in store for him at Anfield.

However, one of his agents, Mehdi Hagitali, has said Azmoun's strong working relationship with Rostov manager Kurban Berdyev means he is not focusing on a transfer.

"I read about the interest in Sardar from Liverpool, but I can say that at present there have been no formal proposals from either foreign or Russian clubs," Hagitali was reported as saying.

"Now his main goal is to become the best striker in the Russian Premier League.

"Kurban Berdyev is like a father-figure, and he would like to work with the coach. If some proposals come, we will look at them."

Speaking last February, Azmoun voiced a desire to play football in England at some point in the future.

He said: "My main goal is to play in Premier League, and I've taken a lot of good advice to stay in Russia to gain more experience."

Azmoun has made 15 appearances for Rostov this season following his controversial summer move from Rubin Kazan.

The highly-rated Iran international spent a period of time on loan at Rostov before they triggered a buyout clause that Kazan claimed did not exist.

The case went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled in favour of Rostov and Azmoun.