Liverpool supremo targets double raid

New Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli has seemingly added to rumours Dimitri Payet is on his way to England by heaping praise on the winger.

Former Tottenham director of football Comolli has even gone as far as to rate him as more naturally talented than Luka Modric.

Comolli has been brought into the Anfield side to help manager Roy Hodgson identify the players they need to improve Liverpool's league position and he has already drawn up a shortlist.

Payet seems to be at the top of that list, with Japan's Keisuke Honda not far behind. Having served as director of sport at Saint Etienne, Comolli knows exactly what the 23-year-old would bring to Liverpool's side.

"On a natural class level, Dimitri is stronger than a player like Modric, (who) I saw very closely at Tottenham," he told France Football.

"It is a very high level. We never stopped repeating to him: 'It is only up to you to join a French team'."

Liverpool boss Hodgson has admitted he is looking to challenge the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the January transfer window and has already picked a fight with AC Milan for CSKA Moscow ace Honda.

Furthermore, new Anfield owner John W Henry has made funds available to his manager but has insisted the club will not waste money on older players and has urged Liverpool's decision makers to concentrate on youth.

Liverpool have also been linked with Payet's young team mate Blaise Matuidi so Comolli will be hoping he will be able to sign both for around £15 million.

However, the co-president of the French side, Roland Romeyer, recently ruled out any outgoing transfers in January, telling the same publication: "We have built a roster for the season.

"There will be no departures during the winter transfer window. Should there be any movement, it would be the other way. Depending on injuries, for example, we could sign a player. But this is only a theory."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.