Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Wednesday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
French press linking Liverpool with Alexandre Lacazette
Le10sport.com are claiming that we are readying a bid for Lyon striker Lacazette, with Kop boss Brendan Rodgers still looking to add more fire-power to his attack.
The 23-year-old has scored 23 goals in 23 appearances so far this season, including 12 in his last eight matches in all competitions. He has netted 20 times in Ligue 1, seven more than any other player.
The French international has attracted plenty of interest from across Europe, although his current employers are desperate to hang onto him as they attempt to win the league title for the first time since 2008.
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Brendan Rodgers refusing to give up on Karim Benzema bid
In Spain, we are still being linked with Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema. The 27-year-old could be available for just £38m, despite scoring 14 times for the European Champions so far this season.
Rodgers has been an admirer of Benzema for some time and failed with a bid last summer. It would comes as a huge surprise if Carlo Ancelotti sanctioned a sale, but he could use the money to fund a bid for another star.
The French international and former Lyon centre forward has scored 125 goals in 264 games since joining Madrid in 2009. His best season came in 2011-12 when he struck on 32 occasions.
Paul Lambert rubbishes our chances of signing Christian Benteke
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has declared that star striker Christian Benteke is not for sale, despite our ongoing interest in the 24-year-old.
The Villa boss has now slapped a massive price tag on the Belgian, saying: “There’s no chance. Is that £25m over three months? That’s for his left boot that one.
“Listen, there is no way I’m looking to sell him and I am pretty sure Randy will be totally fine with that.
Christian has been my biggest signing. Now he is probably, on his game, one of the best strikers in Europe.”
Rodgers and Mourinho discuss semi-final draw at Anfield
Both Brendan Rodgers and Jose Mourinho have admitted that Liverpool should have won the first leg of their Capital One Cup clash against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.
A positive Rodgers told reporters: “We were outstanding tonight, they will feel happy with the draw because we definitely deserved to win. I felt we could have won by two or three.”
While Mourinho added: “To leave here after transforming a two-leg semi final into a one-leg semi final at Stamford Bridge is much better for us, and we are very happy.”
Suso angered by lack of respect shown before Anfield exit
Disgruntled midfielder Suso has slammed Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers over his treatment. The 21-year-old, who completed a move to AC Milan earlier this week, cited a lack of respect as the main reason for his departure.
“My contract was set to expire in June and Liverpool’s offers did not satisfy me, neither economically nor in a sporting sense,” Suso told reporters in Spain.
He added: “I arrived very much as a boy and I have learned a lot. I have grown, but I have not noticed a lot of trust in me.”
