Liverpool Transfer News: Paco Alcacer Bid Eyed, New Alexandre Lacazette Rumours

Liverpool are in dire need of attacking reinforcements, and according to Metro's Will Giles, Brendan Rodgers is ready to break the bank to bring Valencia star Paco Alcacer to Anfield to solve the club's scoring woes.

The 21-year-old striker reportedly has a £14.1 million buyout clause the Reds are willing to trigger in January:

"

The youngster has scored ten goals and four assists so far this season, but according to Marca talks to extend his deal – which expires next summer – have stalled.

The striker’s current contract also contains a £14.1 million release clause, and Liverpool could capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Alcacer’s future by meeting it.

"

Alcacer emerged as Spain's next great striker during the 2013-14 season and has continued his good form this season, making his full debut for Spain's national team. His performances for La Roja have been so good, fans and pundits have been calling for the youngster to start over Chelsea's Diego Costa.

FourFourTwo's Paul Wilkes is one of them:

As you can see in this image by OptaJose, it's not hard to understand why fans are clamouring for Alcacer to lead the line:

The forward has suffered a bit of a drop in form since making his debut, his goal against Eibar in late December snapping a dry spell that started in September. As one might expect from a player his age, most of his value lies in his potential, rather than his production.

That's not to say Alcacer wouldn't be able to help the Reds out immediately—with the exception of a healthy Daniel Sturridge, he would already arguably be the top attacking talent in the team's squad, if you count Raheem Sterling as a winger/midfielder.

He has been asked to play more as a provider than a pure finisher this season, partly explaining his lengthy dry spell. Scoring is still what Alcacer does best, and as explained by Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik, that's exactly what Liverpool need:

Alcacer would be an excellent signing with an eye on the future—Alexandre Lacazette could be the type of signing who makes a big impact immediately. The 23-year-old has been absolutely sensational for Olympique Lyon this season, scoring 17 goals in 19 Ligue 1 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

The French forward has been linked with a move to Liverpool or Arsenal, via the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson, but according to L'Equipe (h/t Goal's Robin Bairner), Manchester City are also throwing their hat in the mix:

Lacazette is deceptively strong for his size, fairly mobile and opportunistic, but like Alcacer, he has one trait that shines above all else—he's a fantastic finisher.

As shared by WhoScored, his rate of scoring is incredible:

The biggest obstacle to a transfer might not be City, who have plenty of quality up front but have suffered due to a multitude of injuries. Instead, Lacazette may not be as available in January as some would have you believe.

Lyon are finally resurfacing as one of France's elite clubs after a period filled with mediocre finishes following the golden era of Juninho and Florent Malouda. Paired with talented youngster Nabil Fekir, Lacazette has been instrumental in leading the club back to the top.

Lyon will likely hold out for a significant transfer fee and would much prefer to move the talented attacker in the summer, securing a high finish in Ligue 1 and qualifying for the Champions League in the process.

It will take a big offer to convince the French club to sell their prized attacker prematurely, but given Liverpool's clear need for an in-form striker, Rodgers may have no choice but to secure his signature.

Follow @ReverschPass