Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Alexandre Lacazette and Dele Alli Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly stepping up a bid for Lyon's mercurial attacker Alexandre Lacazette. The Merseyside club has even held secret talks with the Ligue 1 side, according to Daily Star reporter Bruce Archer.

He cited unnamed sources in France claiming both Liverpool and Premier League rival Arsenal have had a secret meeting with Lyon officials regarding Lacazette's availability. But Archer also noted that Lyon would expect "at least" £20 million to part ways with the gifted 23-year-old, something the club would prefer to do in the summer.

That won't help Liverpool now. Manager Brendan Rodgers needs quality reinforcements up front during this month's window.

He failed to adequately replace star man Luis Suarez last summer. Underwhelming imports Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have left the Reds short of goals too often this season.

The Reds have found the net a mere 31 times in the Premier League this season. That's less than each of the seven teams above them in the table, per PremierLeague.com.

That grim reality could prompt Rodgers to push for a deal for Lacazette now. He'll be encouraged by news that the clever and creative forward is not currently injured, as some had feared.

Goal International French Football writer Robin Bairner provided details:

But if Lyon do play hardball, something the club has done in the past to wrangle maximum money for its players, Rodgers will have to look elsewhere. That could put Southampton's Jay Rodriguez in play.

Liverpool have been linked with spending £20 million on the English striker, per Liverpool Echo writer Peter Guy. Rodriguez hasn't played this season after suffering a major knee injury in the latter stages of the previous campaign.

The Saints ace has the pace and varied movement to suit the type of between-the-lines passing Rodgers favours. However, any move would naturally hinge on medical clearance, per Daily Mirror reporter Adrian Kajumba.

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Away from the striker search, Liverpool face serious competition for MK Dons midfield prospect Dele Alli. Newcastle United appear to have overtaken the Reds in the race to land the 18-year-old.

That's according to Daily Mirror reporter Alec Shilton, who also states the talented youth is rated at £10 million. Liverpool have been linked with a move for Alli for some time.

The links make sense given how Rodgers has never been shy about giving young players a chance at Anfield. He has patiently developed 20-year-old Raheem Sterling into one of the jewels of England's national team.

He may well see the same potential in Alli, a player dubbed the "new Steven Gerrard," per The Shields Gazette. The comparison could be a very convenient one for Liverpool.

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The club is preparing to say goodbye to the old Gerrard at the end of this season. Now is the perfect time to regenerate the heart of the Liverpool midfield.

A player of Alli's undoubted potential could be key to that process. Dons boss Karl Robinson expects a bid for his wonderkid this month, per Louise Taylor of the Guardian. It seems Liverpool will have to be ready to outspend the Magpies if the club is really serious about Alli.

But it won't be securing one for the future that's Rodgers' priority during January. Instead, it will be making sure his squad is armed with better firepower for the crunch stages of the season.