Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Breaking Down Reds Target Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Liverpool's pursuit of top-flight talent continues this summer as the Reds are reportedly in the mix to land Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, according to the Mirror's David Maddock.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is currently a member of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, but "reports in Russia suggested the highly-rated Armenian midfielder has finally smoothed the way for a £25million switch to the Reds," according to Maddock:

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There were even suggestions he will fly into England in the next few days, but sources at Anfield insist their main transfer deal of the summer is still some way from completion, as difficult talks with his three owners proceed painfully slowly.

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A versatile player, Mkhitaryan can excel as either a striker in a central role or as a striking midfielder. 

He's an unselfish player as well. In addition, his creativity, vision and technique make him a dangerous player around the box. Whether he's linking up with teammates or creating chances for himself, Mkhitaryan is almost always working hard to generate an attack.

He also has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, drawing comparisons to Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. 

Mkhitaryan made his debut with Shakhtar in September 2010, and he has been improving and upping his production ever since.

In his first season with the club, he scored just four goals in 27 total appearances. In season No. 2, he scored 12 times in 37 appearances. This past season, Mkhitaryan netted 26 goals in 39 matches for Shakhtar.

He has scored 11 times for the Armenia senior national team since 2007, including three times within the past year. He would finish 2012-13 with 30 goals in all competitions. 

Off the pitch, Mkhitaryan is a quality person, according to the Mirror's Eliot Rothwell. It's also worth noting that he was recently awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Yerevan in his hometown for his accomplishments as a professional football player. 

According to Rothwell, the midfielder is well-traveled as well and also speaks a handful of different languages.

While linguistic skills won't help Liverpool win matches next season, Mkhitaryan's boot certainly can. There's very little to dislike about the Armenian star.

Liverpool fans should be excited about the potential of Mkhitaryan coming to Anfield. He may not be the sexiest name out there this summer, but his game and personality would instantly have a positive influence on the club.

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