Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Leiva

Liverpool are shaping up for a busy summer of comings and goings at Anfield but have seen their attempts to sign Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette blocked, while Lucas Leiva looks set for a Merseyside departure.

Lacazette is one of Ligue 1's most sought-after talents at present, opening his 2014-15 campaign with a prolific record of 17 goals in 19 league games.

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However, Lyon manager Hubert Fournier has warned potential suitors off his star. He was quoted by French radio station RMC (h/t Massimo Marioni of Metro) as saying:

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I’m not the best person to speak about it. If it was only up to me, of course I would like him to stay. But the president has rather reassured me, and above all, I don’t get the impression Alexandre wants to leave during the January transfer window.

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Attack is one area in which Brendan Rodgers would understandably look to add a touch more class if given the opportunity, after watching summer signing Mario Balotelli struggle in the absence of Daniel Sturridge.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey was recently joined by former United States international Janusz Michallik to discuss Liverpool's ideal January transfer window:

Divock Origi was loaned straight back to Lille after being signed by the Reds this past summer, but Rodgers needs a reliable figure at the head of his forward line now.

Andy Scott of Agence France-Presse and Squawka outline what esteemed company the Frenchman is currently keeping:

With Lyon currently trailing Ligue 1 leaders Marseille by just two points and Liverpool currently 10th in the Premier League, January may not be the most ideal time for Lacazette to move as far as his ambitions are concerned.

It's for that reason Rodgers may indeed be forced to wait until his target can be convinced to complete a switch, with his current setting presenting a much more pleasing prospect at present.

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Lucas may also receive a boost in ambitions this winter after it came to light that Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is hoping to lure the Brazilian to the San Siro.

On Monday, the former Manchester City helmsman was quoted by the Press Association (h/t Daily Mail) as speaking highly of the South American's talent, stating: "Lucas is a great player but he is a Liverpool player and it will be hard to get him. It certainly would be useful to us as he could help our youngsters grow."

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Lucas has become something of a peripheral figure under Rodgers, with the trio of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen rising to prominence as the former has struggled to maintain fitness.

However, the Guardian's Alex Hess looks to the statistics to prove why Lucas should be considered as a more crucial part of the Liverpool setup:

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports doesn't appear to agree with Mancini's motives and is evidently surprised by the Italian manager's statement:

Given the Reds' current mid-table plight, Rodgers may not be open to the idea of allowing any players to leave his squad and instead choose only to add further strength.

However, if Inter were serious in their interest and submitted a suitable offer, Liverpool may well capitalise on the chance to reinvest further in areas which are in deeper need of reinforcement.