Liverpool Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette Boost as Raheem Sterling Stuns Reds

Liverpool could launch an attempt to sign Alexandre Lacazette after Lyon "failed to thrash out new terms" with the striker.

L'Equipe (h/t talkSPORT) indicates Liverpool are one of three clubs interested in the 2014-15 Ligue 1 top scorer. They are in strong company, with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also said to be eyeing the man who hit 27 goals in 33 league appearances last season.

It is even suggested the player could hand in a transfer request to force a move away from the Stade Gerland, per L'Equipe (h/t Jack De Menezes of the Independent).

Although primarily a central striker, Lacazette could be used from the left flank and as a replacement for Raheem Sterling, who has reiterated his desire to leave Liverpool by refusing to join the club's pre-season tour of the Far East, reported the MailOnline's Simon Jones.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Liverpool continue to hold out for £50 million and are awaiting a third bid from Manchester City. The Reds previously turned down a £35 million (rising to £40 million) offer from their Premier League rivals. Alex Shaw of ESPN FC thinks Sterling is becoming desperate:

"

Raheem Sterling is so desperate to leave Liverpool. Never seen someone so eager to go. http://t.co/EHb1OWUoIK

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) July 7, 2015"

This situation mimics that of Luis Suarez two summers ago. He tried to manufacture an exit—with Arsenal putting in their famous £40 million and one pound bid—but stayed to fire 31 Premier League goals and Liverpool to second. Suarez moved last summer and won the treble in his first season with Barcelona.

Sterling has this kind of ambition and wants to play regular Champions League football. He produced seven goals en route to Liverpool's sixth-placed finish and is the type of player who can be built around for years to come. However, manager Brendan Rodgers will be considering alternatives and someone of Lacazette's quality to fill an inevitable void.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe previously outlined Lacazette as a dream signing for the club:

The striker is a tremendous finisher and breaks beyond defenders without hesitation. He could be well-supplied by creative midfielders Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and new signing Roberto Firmino, three stars who can split the opposition's back line with a clever pass or piece of skill.

Lacazette will be desperate to continue scoring regular goals ahead of Euro 2016, where he could be an important player for hosts France. However, Lyon can offer him elite European football this season, so it could be difficult to lure him away from the major stage.

Liverpool's main objective for the season must be qualifying for the Champions League once more. Rodgers' side barely made an impression in the tournament last term and were unable to land a second successive year among the best. The Anfield club needs an annual injection of cash from the competition to compete with Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Sterling's departure has been ominous for weeks. However, bringing in someone of Lacazette's quality would be the perfect remedy. He is a proven goalscorer and a growing name on the continent. One more season of quality and many of Europe's best will be itching to snap him up. Liverpool should aim to get ahead of the curve.