Lyon president plays down possibility of selling Lacazette

Lyon's forward Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after scoring a goal against Girondins de Bordeaux

Paris, Dec 24 (IANS) Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has warned rival clubs alleged to be pursuing Alexandre Lacazette that the leading goal scorer in the French Ligue 1 is not for sale.

After last Sunday's last game before winter break where Lacazette scored a double to help Lyon win 5-0 against Bordeaux, the 23-year-old striker took his tally to 17 goals in the first half of the Ligue 1 season in 19 rounds of games, reports Xinhua.

His impressive performance drew interest from clubs beyond French borders, including English Premier League's Liverpool, who're seeking attacking forces in the wake of Luis Suarez's departure.

Aulas, however, stays firm and through Tuesday's L'Equipe insisted the seven-time French champions would not be tempted to part with their latest homegrown talent.

"It's more than a desire, it's a decision," said the boss. "It has happened, by obligation, that we say 'No' in the hope of getting a big offer, but this time, it's 'No,' and it's a question of strategy. We will not sell."

In his opinion, the promising players growing up in Lyon's own camps, such as Lacazette, Clement Grenier and Maxime Gonalons, will be worth much more on pitch with the club.

"We have just invested more than 400 million euros in a new stadium, so to sell our best players, who would enable us to play the Champions League in that stadium, would be to go against our strategy," said Aulas.