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Liverpool transfer news and rumours: James Milner hopes increase; Alexandre Lacazette rumours continue; £38.1m Karim Benzma offer

The latest transfer talk surrounding Anfield

Simon Rice
Wednesday 21 January 2015 11:01 GMT
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James Milner celebrates scoring his team's first goal
James Milner celebrates scoring his team's first goal

LIVERPOOL BOUND...

Liverpool's hopes of signing James Milner appear to have been given a boost with his contract talks with Manchester City reportedly hitting an impasse. The England international will be a free-agent in the summer if the champions cannot tie him to a new deal. Money isn't apparently the issue, but rather the 29-year-old's desire to be playing regularly. Manuel Pellegrini may struggle to make any meaningful promises, but Brendan Rodgers could make the midfielder some guarantees. Arsenal are also understood to be keen.

The Reds continue to be linked with a move for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. According to French outlet Le10Sport Liverpool are preparing to make an offer for the 23-year-old who has been on fire in Ligue 1 this term. The France international has scored an incredible 23 goals in as many performances.

Reports that Karim Benzema could be heading to the Premier League continue. Fresh reports in Spain suggest Liverpool are ready to offer £38.1m for the French striker. The Real Madrid forward has been persistently linked with a move away from the Bernabeu but with a strong goal return and a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti's side, the European champions will not let him leave easily.

Benzema

HEADING FOR THE EXIT...

The future of Lucas Leiva continues to generate speculation amid reports that Inter Milan have made a bid in the region of £8m for the midfielder. The Brazilian has played a role in the recent upturn in performances at Anfield, leading Rodgers to be adverse to letting him leave. However the decent bid from the Serie A outfit has seen him question his view according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

SURELY NOT...

Jose Mourinho joked last night that he could look to sign Steven Gerrard on loan. The Liverpool captain will be leaving for LA Galaxy at the end of the season but there is a prospect of the former England captain playing for another club during the MLS off-season. Liverpool have suggested he could return to Anfield on loan but it seems he'd also be welcome at Stamford Bridge. Gerrard himself has indicated he'd never play for a direct rival of Liverpool.

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