Barcelona transfer news: Lyon manager Bruno Genesio pleased by interest in Alexandre Lacazette

Lyon manager Bruno Genesio has welcomed Barcelona's reported interest in Alexandre Lacazette. The 24-year-old forward is a rumoured transfer target of the Catalan giants and Genesio believes it is a healthy sign for the French club.

Barcelona are apparently keen to add the French international to their star-studded squad, but Genesio has advised the player against making the switch. He said the prospect of Champions League football at Lyon may be enough to convince Lacazette - who is also a reported target for West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid - to stay in France for another season.

"It's always good if big clubs are interested in our players," Genesio said amid Barcelona's apparent interest, according to ESPN. "That means that they're good, that they're great players and that they're having a good season. So it's positive for us.

"During this period, from here until the end of the season and after the end of the season, there's going to be a lot of rumours, a lot of information, a lot of misinformation. For me, the right choice is that he might stay with Olympique Lyonnais - especially if we finish second. Beyond that, the players are responsible for their career choices. But they're players who are under contract with us."

Genesio also denied that Lyon and Barcelona have reached an agreement for Lacazette, insisting the French club do not wish to sell their best players. "For the moment, Alex is an Olympique Lyonnais player... And for there to be an deal, the three parties all have to be in agreement," he said of Barcelona's reported interest.

"So the player, the club that wants to take the player and the club with which the player is under contract. We're still very, very far from all that."