Liverpool have reportedly had their scouts following the French top division’s leading scorer Dimitri Payet who is on the verge of winning his first senior international call-up. The St Etienne winger can play on either flank and has been a revelation for his club as they surprisingly lead the French top division after just seven matches.
Roy Hodgson has been linked with a number of talented wingers in recent weeks with Galatasaray’s Arda Turan and Valencia’s Juan Mata on his radar. However, Payet is a far more realistic target with his price-tag reportedly set at a modest £7m.
The 23-year-old is enjoying by far his most productive campaign with seven strikes in seven games which includes a hat-trick against Lens and a brace against Montpellier. His previous best return for the club was four league goals in 2009. Payet’s sensational start culminated in a stunning curled free-kick which enabled St Etienne to finally beat local rivals Lyon last Saturday for the first time since April 1994.
The French U21 international is being tipped to break into Laurent Blanc’s senior side ahead of the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers. Payet is renowned for his pace, trickery and long-range shooting. He is predominantly right-footed and would offer a more vibrant alternative to Maxi Rodriguez on the right-flank who has been disappointing since arriving at Anfield, scoring once in 21 league appearances for Liverpool. Hodgson may have to move swiftly to secure Payet’s signature as clubs in both Spain and Italy have also begun to register an interest.
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