Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri on Friday admitted that the principality club are in discussions to sign Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore from Anzhi Makhachkala, according to AFP.
Having previously suggested that Traore, 23, was more likely to move to England, Ranieri said in a press conference that Monaco are hoping to sign the striker during this month’s transfer window.
“I played against him in the Champions League when he was with Cluj (of Romania) and I was coach of Roma,” recalled Ranieri.
“He is a good forward. He is tall (2.03m) but his aerial ability is not his strong point. He is a good all-round player. Discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know what the situation is.
“If he comes, good. If he doesn’t come, it is not a problem.”
Traore left Cluj for Russian side Kuban Krasnodar in 2011 before moving to Anzhi in 2012. His possible arrival at the Stade Louis II is likely to push Valere Germain out of the door.
Germain captained the side to the Ligue 2 title last season, scoring 14 goals, but he has made just six league appearances this season, all from the bench.
