Liverpool Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette and Karim Benzema Bid Rumours Grow

Liverpool "will make an offer" for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette during the January transfer window, according to French outlet Le10Sport.com (h/t the Daily Telegraph).

It is suggested Paris Saint-Germain's interest could make this deal difficult, particularly as the 23-year-old striker's valuation continues to increase alongside his prolific performances in Ligue 1. Lacazette has tallied 24 goals in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, and he is the main reason behind Lyon's ascent to the top of the French division.

He is a speedy, clinical striker who could significantly improve Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' attacking options. Summer signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have two Premier League goals between them this campaign, limiting the effectiveness of a side who have enjoyed a rich turn of form in the last two months.

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas recently indicated Lacazette is a greater player than Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, suggesting he should cost more than the world-record £85 million fee set by the former Spurs star in 2013, as reported by Le Parisien (h/t Alec Fenn of Goal.com): "What's the name of the Welshman at Real Madrid? I think Alexandre is a lot better. But Alexandre doesn't have a price, so it's pointless thinking of one."

Madrid's Karim Benzema continues to be outlined as an alternative purchase. He is someone Liverpool are "going all out" to capture, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro). The report suggests the Reds are "set to offer" £38.1 million for the powerful forward, who remains a key player sandwiched between Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale in Los Blancos' setup.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Either player would represent an important step after the summer sale of Luis Suarez. Liverpool have lacked a natural goalscoring threat throughout the season and once again relied on Raheem Sterling during Tuesday's 1-1 Capital One Cup draw with Chelsea. The youngster's turn and burst of pace was frightening prior to his smart finish, but he has a tendency to drift out of matches when positioned in the centre.

West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace has made it clear the Baggies won't cash in on Saido Berahino this winter, highlighting the importance of his 14-goal season so far, per the club's official website (h/t Ricky Charlesworth of the Daily Mirror): "I said in the autumn that the club had no interest in selling Saido and that remains the case. Unless Tony (Pulis) decides otherwise, the view will surely be that he is far too important to us to consider trading. His goals are capable of keeping us in the Premier League and would be hugely difficult to replace."

Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for PSG's Ezequiel Lavezzi, per Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express, a player who could occupy either side of Rodgers' 3-4-3 forward line. B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently considered whether this would be a smart idea:

January business remains difficult due to clubs not wanting to lose their top players during the season. The quality Rodgers needs may not be available just yet. Daniel Sturridge's return could provide a boost, however, and he is likely to feel like an expensive acquisition when he reaches full fitness.

The Merseyside club's unbeaten runs stands at nine in all competitions, a return to form which underlines their Champions League credentials once more.