Liverpool have reportedly identified Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan as their top transfer target this summer.

Armenian international Mkhitaryan has excelled at Shakhtar in the last 12 months, scoring 25 goals from midfield to top the Ukrainian scoring charts last season.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers believes that Mkhitaryan is a player capable of making the difference at Anfield and will meet Shakhtar's valuation of £22m to seal the deal, according to The Guardian.

Any move for Mkhitaryan is also not thought to be linked to the future of Luis Suarez, as Rodgers bids to strengthen in the close season.

Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas is due to complete his move to Merseyside later this week, joining first summer signing Kolo Toure in becoming a Liverpool player.