Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 10y

Alexandre Lacazette set for Lyon stay

Reported Newcastle United and Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette has told Lyon's TV channel he has no intention of leaving the seven-time French champions.

With OL not as financially strong as they were during their run of seven straights Ligue 1 titles between 2002-08, the club have sought to reduce costs, and Lacazette, 23, is one of their most marketable assets.

The France international forward, who struck a career-best 15 league goals last season, has been linked to several clubs, notably Newcastle, whose liking for French players is well known.

However, the OL youth academy product, who has two years to run on his current deal, told OLTV the speculation is unlikely to turn his head.

He said: "Last winter, there were already rumours concerning a potential departure. You heard anything and everything. It wasn't easy. Now I'm used to it. I feel good at Lyon, and I'm focused on the season to come."

Having convinced Maxime Gonalons to remain at the Stade de Gerland this summer despite persistent interest from Napoli in particular, OL president Jean-Michel Aulas recently stated he hoped Lacazette would even go beyond the limits of his ongoing contract.

He said: "We are certain he'll stay next year. On the one hand, because we don't want to let him go, on the other, because he confirmed it, and we're talking about a contract extension."

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