Liverpool Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Top Rumours

Highly rated French striker Alexandre Lacazette may have seen his ambitions of a move to Liverpool scuppered after it was confirmed the player suffered an injury.

Colin Harvey of the Daily Star quotes Bleacher Report's French football expert Jonathan Johnson confirming the knock, with the player expected to miss at least three weeks of action, denying any opportunity for a medical.

Johnson further elaborated on the bad news for Lacazette and Liverpool, explaining some of the details behind the injury:

The player has been a target for managers Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger in recent weeks, per Harvey, and both coaches may now have to look elsewhere for emergency attacking options.

Lacazette can play in multiple positions across the front line and has been in splendid form for Lyon this term. His goal ratio in Ligue 1 is outstanding at present, scoring no less than 21 times in only 22 games, per WhoScored.com.

This amazing run has seen a host of top sides take note of his progress, and the Premier League seems an appropriate destination for his talents.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

However, the Anfield club might have better luck in their January pursuit of Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express reports Liverpool wish to take the player on loan in the next week as they look to replace calamity keeper, Simon Mignolet.

Ter Stegen recently spoke about his disappointment at his lack of match time for Barca, claiming he wishes to be the Camp Nou No. 1, per Jefferson: "For now, the manager counts on me for the Cup and Champions League, but I'd like to play in the league. I want La Liga, even if Bravo is doing a good job."

The goalkeeper is clearly ambitious and a temporary move to Liverpool could help inflate his standing and reputation.

Football journalist Sergi Dominguez recently paid Ter Stegen the ultimate compliment, comparing the goalkeeper to one of the planet's greatest stoppers:

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

In other news, Rodgers is also being linked with moves for young Arsenal ace Chuba Akpom and West Ham United loan star Alex Song.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star says the 19-year-old striker—who is out of contract at the Emirates in the summer—is stalling on a new deal with the north London side, triggering a tug-of-war between England's biggest clubs for his signature.

Chisanga Malata notes that Liverpool could step in for Song after his excellent period at Upton Park, but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has proclaimed a desire to retain the player in light of the Merseyside club's interest: "It depends on whether Alex wants to stay. We want him to stay and I certainly want him to stay. But that lies with the financial side and the chairman with the negotiations. Whether that is financially feasible is another matter and if other clubs of a greater size entice him away."

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Song would be a solid addition to Liverpool's squad, and he has unequivocally proven he still has the quality to dominate many Premier League opponents.

The player's time at Barcelona may well have been disappointing for the former Gunner, but there is still plenty of life left in the midfielder—with Anfield being a suitable stage for him to showcase his talent.

Ter Stegen would be an exceptional capture for Rodgers, even if the move is only on a short-term basis.

Liverpool need to inject some confidence into their back line, and Ter Stegen would not be fazed by the pressurised environment on Merseyside, even with huge expectations about his performance levels.

Mignolet has been a liability in a Liverpool shirt, and Rodgers needs to respond to this situation before the goalkeeper costs his side more vital points.