Lyon are resigned to losing striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer as they make preparations to sign his possible replacement ahead of the news amid interest from West Ham and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to French source mercato365, Lyon are closing in on a move for SC Caen striker Anthony Delort as a replacement for Lacazette. The former Wigan striker scored 12 Ligue 1 goals last season and would cost just €12m.

That is just a snippet of the price-tag on Lacazette’s shoulders as Lyon are looking for nearer €50m, which equates to roughly £40m. The Hammers have already seen a £32m bid turned down for the 24-year-old this month but will return with an improved offer.

It’s rumoured that the offer will be in the region of £37m plus bonuses which would bring the total fee nearer the £40m asking-price. Whether that would be enough to prize the French international away from Lyon remains to be seen.

Lacazette netted 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season – his third-successive season scoring 20+ league goals, making him the ideal target for the Hammers who have stated themselves they’re looking for a ’20 goal a season striker’.

Club president Michel-Jean Aulas has been firm on his stance regarding Lacazette but has admitted that he could be helpless if the striker made his intentions clear on a possible move to Paris Saint-Germain.

If PSG must have Alexander (Lacazette), I do not say no. If he wishes to join them, I say ‘Why not’.

The Frenchman remains West Ham’s number one transfer target this summer and they will continue to do all they can to convince him to make the move to East London.