Manchester United: Louis Saha urges Louis van Gaal to sign Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged Louis van Gaal to sign Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette.

The 24-year-old scored 27 goals and managed six assists from 33 league appearances last season. His form has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs as Liverpool, along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with him.

The Gunners and Lyon's league rivals Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be leading the race for Lacazette's signature. United allowed Radamel Falcao to return to AS Monaco after completing his season-long loan deal.

Van Gaal needs to bring in a replacement for the Colombian striker. Saha believes Lacazette's pace and sharpness outside the box will suit United as the Dutchman looks to bolster his side's strike force for the next season.

"I think it's a must United sign a striker. Because you have always the need for competition up front, that's what brings excellence to every player," Saha told the Manchester Evening News.

"So yes, I would say that a big name [like Falcao] is not something that is always good for a manager's experience. Maybe a bit more speed than before, to put the defenders on their toes a bit more and to get behind defenders."

"Could Lacazette thrive at United? I think so, it's obvious he's done really well in France, he's scored many, many goals because he can threaten behind, he can score from far, he's a very clever player," he added.

Meanwhile, Lacazette's agent David Venditelli has revealed Lyon have already rejected approach from top clubs for his client's signature.

The player's representative also admitted the interested clubs were not able to assure him of regular playing time, which is important for the Frenchman as he looks for a place in the national squad for Euro 2016.

"We currently rejected approaches from very big foreign clubs. These offers are very important financially, but they do not give guarantees all sports for the flourishing of Alexander, especially with just one year left for Euro 2016," Venditelli told L'Equipe.

"Today, the time necessary reflection is up to the importance of the decision. Media pressure and ultimatums will not change our requirements including Olympique Lyonnais knowledge. To be very clear, extend to Lyon? Yes. Continue the adventure with OL? Yes. See the new stadium? Yes. Prepare the Euro in the best ways? Yes," he added.