Lille President Lopez has confirmed that the club’s star talisman Nicolas Pepe is just whiskers away from sealing a move to a big club. The 24-year-old has been a subject of transfer interest for many clubs including English giants Manchester United and Liverpool.
Pepe blitzed 22 goals and registered 11 assists in the Ligue 1 last season. Manchester United have reportedly accelerated their interest in signing the Ivorian and are rumoured to be in advanced talks with the player.
Solskjaer is said to be an admirer of Pepe and views him as the perfect man to replace Romwlu Lukaku. The Belgian is touted to leave the Red Devils for Inter Milan this summer.
Speaking about Pepe’s future, Lopez said,
“In terms of departures and arrivals, if a player leaves, we will go and get what we need. For Nico, it is almost done and he could have left last summer.”
“It is true that there are big offers and big clubs in for him, so I think [he will leave]. Aside from that, you never know in football.”
Earlier this month, the Lille president also confirmed that Liverpool were in talks with Pepe over a move. However, the Merseysiders have cooled their interest in him.
“I know there have been discussions with the player, not with us as a club. Liverpool have players in those positions and I read that maybe there were players who could leave, or not.”
“I am not particularly focused on Liverpool. But it is true that there have been discussions with agents.”
Lille are said to be demanding £70m for their star asset’s services.
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