Liverpool Consider Summer Move for Spartak Moscow Striker - Report

Liverpool are considering a summer swoop for Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike.

The Nigeria international impressed during his nation's recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph, scoring four goals in five matches to win the tournament's Golden Boot. The 25-year-old has also netted four times in seven starts in the Russian Premier League this season.

Liverpool are now keeping close tabs on Emenike, ahead of a potential approach in the summer transfer window, according to the Express. Meanwhile, Russian newspaper Izvestia reports the Reds will have to shell out around €12m (£10m) if they want to land the Spartak striker.

Both reports claim the Merseyside outfit are tracking Emenike as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez, who is now being courted by several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Barcelona and PSG.

The Uruguay international recently reiterated he is happy with life at Anfield but rumours suggest Pep Guardiola, the soon-to-be Bayern boss, is keen on signing the Reds' talisman and has already lined up a massive £40m offer for the end of the season.

However, irrespective of Suarez's Liverpool future, a move for Emenike could well be on the cards. It looks unlikely Brendan Rodgers will opt to hold on to out-of-favour striker Andy Carroll, who is on loan at West Ham United. Meanwhile, last summer's recruits Fabio Borini, Oussama Assaidi and fellow forward Stewart Downing have all failed to establish themselves at Anfield and it is expected that at least two of them will be shown the door in the summer, opening up at least one vacancy up front.

Arsenal and Reading have also been linked with Emenike and both clubs - with Liverpool - reportedly sent scouts to watch the Nigerian in action during the ACN. The striker is well aware of the English interest in him and expressed his desire to feature in the Premier League in the near future.

"I am playing in Russia at the moment and I have a contract that I intend to respect. But to be linked with the Premier League is a dream come true. I would love to play there in my career. There are many great clubs there," Emenike said.