Liverpool Transfer News: Pre-FA Cup Rumours and Gossip

Ahead of Saturday's fifth-round FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace, transfer rumours continue to swirl around Anfield, with speculation building toward the possible acquisitions of James Milner and Alexandre Lacazette.

Milner is still to agree upon a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, and with his current deal expiring in June, the Daily Express (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson) suggested the Citizens midfielder is considering his options this summer.

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A versatile midfield talent with the ability to play centrally, out wide or in a more advanced role, Milner would strike as an obvious target to help fill the void which will be left by Steven Gerrard when he departs for LA Galaxy.

For many, the 29-year-old will be counted as something of an understated figure among Manuel Pellegrini's ranks but a scoring display in the 4-1 win over Stoke City on Wednesday showed how influential he can be, per OptaJoe:

The chance to pick up Milner for nothing, should he decide against an extension, provides an intriguing prospect.

According to Bleacher Report's Rob Pollard, the merry-go-round at the Etihad Stadium will see Milner leave this summer, with Everton's Ross Barkley a potential replacement:

Pellegrini has relied on Milner more heavily of late and even used the playmaker to good effect as a false nine during Sergio Aguero's absence at the beginning of the year.

However, the Reds' interest will test just how eager City are to keep hold of a player who may feel his talents would go more appreciated on Merseyside.

The same might be said of Lyon striker Lacazette, whose form continues to impress in Ligue 1. Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express reports the Reds will beat Arsenal to the Frenchman's summer signature, quoting French writer Julien Laurens as stating to the Sport Review:

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I think if Lyon win the league, he will go. If they qualify for the Champions League by finishing second or third I think he might give it another year. I think he has always wanted to be at the top level and play in the Champions League with his home club.

It's his first really big season and I'm just not sure if he is good enough already for a top-four club in England. I think the Bundesliga will suit him more than any other league. I really believe he would do well in the Bundesliga but I think he prefers England he might try to come over here.

I think Brendan Rodgers really likes him. Rodgers likes those types of players that can play anywhere up front and with a lot of movement, so I think he could eventually fit in well there. But as I said, I'm just not sure if he is ready for that just yet.

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Mario Balotelli finally got his Premier League account back up and running in the win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night, five-and-a-half months after arriving at Anfield, while Daniel Sturridge was recently welcomed back into the fold.

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However, Rodgers may still not be convinced in his attacking ranks and wish to go after Lyon's talisman, who is currently sidelined but has 21 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Liverpool will have more than just Arsenal as competition for the striker, however, as Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson reveals Paris Saint-Germain could also up their pursuit:

However, Andrew Gibney disagrees, with Bleacher Report's Ligue 1 writer claiming Liverpool may find the forward is out of their reach:

The Reds spent much of this season attempting to replace Luis Suarez's prominent spearhead in attack, but they are finally coming upon some fortune in the attacking department.

Nevertheless, it's possible that another summer of remodelling awaits at Anfield, with Lacazette and Milner considered as some of the realistic arrivals for Rodgers' side.