Liverpool dealt blow in Alexandre Lacazette pursuit

Brendan Rodgers has been dealt a blow in his hunt for a new striker as Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas insisted that prolific forward Alexandre Lacazette is not sale.

Lacazette, 23, has been linked with a move to the Premier League after scoring 11 goals in his last 13 games, and with Liverpool struggling for goals, Anfield had appeared a possible destination.

However, Aulas has dismissed speculation linking Lacazette with a move away from France.

"The difference between now and Benzema's time is that we will soon have a big stadium to ensure revenue," Aulas told French broadcaster RMC.

"There won't be such a need to sell players. Lacazette won't go anywhere. We have enough money so that we can keep him."

Liverpool's forwards have struggled for goals this season, with Rickie Lambert having found the net just once in the Premier League and Mario Balotelli yet to get off the mark.