Big-spending French giants to win race for Ivorian target man.
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Monaco look set to beat Liverpool and Tottenham to the signing of Anzhi Makhachkala striker Lacina Traore, according to talkSPORT.
6 foot 8 Traore could be the latest player to be made available by the Russian side after sudden financial problems have seen them transfer list all of their highest earners.
Both Liverpool and Spurs have already targeted Anzhi forward Willian, though the Brazilian ended up joining Chelsea in a £32million move, with the Blues also keen to wrap up a deal for his former team-mate Samuel Eto’o.
Traore looks made for Premier League football with his height and physique, and has impressed in his short time in Russia with 18 goals in 39 appearances for Anzhi, and would make a fine addition upfront for either of the two teams as they chase a top four spot this year.
However, Monaco look like winning the race for his signature as they prepare a £15million offer, and make him the latest big name to join the club this summer, following the high-profile arrivals of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.
With the talented 23-year-old partnering Colombian goal machine Falcao upfront, Claudio Ranieri’s side would have a serious chance of challenging current champions PSG for the Ligue 1 title this season.