Manchester United Transfer News: Alexandre Lacazette Monitored, Latest Rumours

Manchester United could be ready to plunge for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, according to a report in L’Equipe (h/t Sport Witness).

The France international has endured a mixed term this year. After beginning the season slowly following a back injury in the early weeks of the Ligue 1 season, the Lyon forward has returned to his best to hit 19 goals in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

The 24-year-old made headlines last season with a prolific return of 29 league goals, but the once dominant French outfit have been unable to budge Paris Saint-Germain from the summit of the division.

WhoScored.com highlighted just how good Lacazette's form has been domestically this season:

Manchester United’s injury-hit squad means manager Louis van Gaal has been forced to blood youth-team player into his first team during his second year in charge at Old Trafford. 

Per Adam Shergold of the Daily Mail, the experienced Dutch boss has handed senior debuts to 14 academy products since his arrival in Manchester, with none more successful than centre forward Marcus Rashford.

The 18-year-old striker has played a leading role in the United attack in recent months, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances, per WhoScored.com.

Despite his successful foray into English football, Rashford cannot be held culpable for United’s goalscoring exploits at such a primitive age and club officials recognise this in spite of his welcome early-career statistics.

The official Manchester United account were keen to show off Rashford's coming of age on social media:

Whether or not Van Gaal is in charge at the Theatre of Dreams for the start of next season has not prevented United scouts from watching Lacazette this year.

Per L’Equipe, the Red Devils are said to have monitored the progress of the pacy attacker, who has alerted elite teams across Europe with his prolific strike rate, energy and movement around the box.

Elsewhere, United have received a boost in their pursuit of another of Europe’s top strikers, with Mauro Icardi releasing quotes that hinted at a possible move away from Inter, per Mediaset Premium (h/t the Mirror's James Whaling):

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

The Inter captain was expected to remain at the San Siro for the foreseeable future after the Argentinian forward rejected rumours of a possible exit, claiming he wanted to stay and help the Nerazzurri win titles, per Calcio Mercato.

However, the former Sampdoria talent has now dropped a clue that he may be open to a move away from the club after UEFA Champions League qualification appeared unachievable.

F.C. InterData detailed the importance of Icardi to the Milan giants in table form:

Per Mediaset Premium, the 23-year-old said, "The possibility to qualify for the Champions League is almost gone, but we will keep on trying.

"My future without the Champions (League)? I am here to win with this club, but if there will be some offers, we’ll have to talk with the club. I think about playing (in that competition)."

Icardi has been in strong form this term, scoring 15 goals in 30 Serie A appearances, per WhoScored.com. He has become the team's natural leader on the field after being handed the captain's armband and contributes well by spearheading the Inter attack.

He has an impressive strike rate in the league but it is his all-round game-play that stands out most, linking midfield and attack smoothly and enabling the play to transition in the final third of the pitch. 

Equally adept at scoring with his foot or via his head, Icardi is a promising prospect at such a tender age and has grown in maturity following his move to Italy from La Liga giants Barcelona in 2011.