Liverpool Transfer News: James Milner Deal 'Close,' Alexandre Lacazette Latest

Liverpool will hold talks with Manchester City star James Milner in the coming days, as a transfer move for the free agent draws ever closer, according to the latest rumours.

According to BBC Sport, the England international would join the club on July 1 should the move go ahead, and as things stand, the 29-year-old looks very likely to move to Anfield.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty is certain Milner will join the Reds based on the multitude of reports:

Milner has been with City since 2010 but hasn't been a regular starter under manager Manuel Pellegrini, who often took advantage of the former Aston Villa man's versatility by using him in case of key injuries.

The midfielder even played as a striker at times during the 2014-15 season, starting a total of 18 Premier League matches during the campaign, per ESPN FC's Mike Whalley.

Manchester Evening News' Stuart Brennan doesn't understand why the veteran would be interested in leaving the Etihad Stadium, but the lack of consistent playing time seems like a perfectly good reason:

He has already won the Premier League title with the Citizens, and at the age of 29, he looks ready for the next challenge. Liverpool have a Steven Gerrard-sized hole in midfield, and while Milner won't be seen as an exact replacement, he would be the likely starter going into next season.

Milner has tons of Premier League experience, and while he wasn't a regular starter for City, he was always productive when called upon. Coupled with the fact he won't cost Liverpool a transfer fee, it's hard to see any problems with this signing.

Joe.co.uk's Matthew Stanger has an issue with the size of the contract he'll likely be given and how those funds could have been used elsewhere, but that would seem to be the only legitimate criticism:

Milner may not be the most exciting name out on the summer transfer market, but he's a consistent and experienced performer who would fill a clear need for the Reds. The sooner this transfer is completed, the better.

Alexandre Lacazette Ready to Snub Reds

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

Olympique Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette all but ruled out a transfer to Liverpool during an interview with Le Parisien (h/t Get French Football News), as he confirmed he could leave his current club but needs Champions League football next season:

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I have not made my decision. I will go on holiday, leave my agent to discuss things, for him to look after all that. I am not worried. It won’t worry me at all. As soon as I have decided, I want it all to happen quickly. When? That is the question… I could stay at Lyon next season and have a terrible season, I could leave and have an incredible season. Everything depends on the destination… It would have to be for a Champions League club.

"

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time now, and Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas felt compelled to discuss the matter recently, via football writer Pete O'Rourke:

Lacazette rose to prominence during the 2014-15 season, showcasing his incredible finishing ability and all-round talent. He scored an incredible 27 goals in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, via WhoScored.com, and quickly became one of the most wanted players in Europe as a result.

The France international isn't the tallest forward around, but his mobility and excellent vision make up for his lack of size. He can play as a classic striker or off a target man, and he has even dropped back to play as a winger or attacking midfielder in the past.

Liverpool could use a forward of his calibre given the struggles their strikers had as a group, but after the club failed to qualify for the 2015-16 Champions League, it always seemed likely top talent like Lacazette would turn down a move to the north of England.

The Frenchman has never played in the Champions League before, and he won't be willing to give up on that opportunity at this stage of his career. It appears the Reds will have to look elsewhere to address their need for a prolific striker.

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