Liverpool have contacted Olympic Lyon over striker Alexandre Lacazette, according to a report in French media outlet Foot Mercato.
They claim Liverpool have already begun negotiations over the highly-rated 24-year-old.
Lacazette scored an impressive 31 goals in 33 appearances for Lyon last season, who finished second in Ligue 1.
The report writes that Liverpool’s officials are aiming to sign the French international in order to regain new momentum after a difficult season in Premier League without Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
The Reds are expected to offload Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini this summer, with Danny Ings and Divock Origi arriving.
Christian Benteke has been reported to be a priority signing in the English media, but supporters aren’t convinced the Belgian would actually suit Liverpool’s style of play.
Lacazette though would be a tough player to acquire as he seeks Champions League football.
He is quoted explaining: “Right now, I’m at Lyon and contract. If the club needs to transfer me, I will leave. It’s just the reality, if we want to push me out, I’ll have to get out.
“For sure that next season I want to play the Champions League.”
Lyon qualified for the Champions League and enter directly at the group stage, while Lacazette has also been linked with PSG – so Liverpool would have their work cutout to persuade him to move to Anfield.
UPDATE: Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has denied the report on twitter, saying Liverpool do not have the resources or interest in signing Lacazatte. Shame.
@OL_Plus vos informations sont bidons Liverpool n'a jamais appelé et joue dans quelle coupe d'Europe et n'en a ni les moyens ni l'intérêt ?
— Jean-Michel AULAS (@JM_Aulas) May 31, 2015
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