Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette better than Gareth Bale says Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas believes Liverpool transfer target Alexandre Lacazette is already better than Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

Lacazette, 23, has been on inspired form this season with his two goals against Toulouse on Saturday helping lift Lyon to the summit of French football.

His haul of 19 this season is the best return in Ligue 1 and has inevitably alerted a number of Premier League sides who are looking for a potent goal scorer, with Brendan Rodgers thought to be one of his biggest admirers.

But Lyon's outspoken chief Aulas has warned the Frenchman's suitors should not to bother with offers for the club's priceless forward.

"You cannot put a figure on it," Aulas said when asked about offers for Lacazette. "What's the name of the Welshman at Real Madrid? I think Alexandre is a lot better. But Alexandre doesn't have a price, so it is pointless thinking of one.

"Today there is no positive response to a departure for Alexandre or Nabil Fekir (Lyon's other coveted starlet) or any other."

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been credited with interest in Lacazette, who is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in the top scorer charts across the top flights in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.

Having also penned a two year contract extension in November 2014, Aulas is confident the player is content to remain at the Stade de Gerland.

"We have resolved the problem by signing a contract through to 2018," Aulas continued. "I find him transformed. He has grown. He's an intelligent boy. He knows the team and the coach allows him to express himself and enable him to become one of Europe's best marksmen."

Lyon's 3-0 win over Toulouse saw them move into top spot in France, a point clear of second placed Marseille. Holders Paris Saint Germain currently sit four points adrift in fourth place.