Liverpool FC and Manchester United both open talks to sign brilliant £70m attacker. Both Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are looking to bolster their squads this summer.
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Liverpool and Manchester United are both in talks in a bid to complete the signing of £70m-rated Lille attacker Nicolas Pepe this summer, according to journalist Duncan Castles.
Pepe is one of the most exciting players in French football having joined Lille from Angers in 2017 and the gifted attacker provided 23 goals and 12 assists in his 41 appearances in all competitions during the 2018-19 campaign.
That superb form has alerted a whole host of clubs throughout Europe and Castles – who works for the Sunday Times and the Daily Record – claims Liverpool and United are among those to have expressed their interest.
Castles says Liverpool have already opened talks with Pepe’s representatives to discuss a transfer to Anfield and Lille are now waiting for the Merseysiders to put in a bid for for the 23-year-old.
However, Liverpool face competition as Castles claims United have made direct contact with Lille to enquire about Pepe’s situation while Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be contenders for his signature.
The journalist says Lille are hoping to attract bids from the likes of Liverpool and United in order to generate an auction with the Ligue 1 club valuing Pepe at around £70m (€80m) in today’s market report Football Talk .
Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, Castles said: “From what I’ve been told, Liverpool have been in contact with Pepe’s agent to discuss a deal, his interest in coming and what is would cost to come. Lille are aware of this and are waiting for a bid.”
“Manchester United have enquired directly to Lille about what the transfer fee would be. PSG also have an interest in Pepe. Lille have been very clear he’s available for sale and the asking price is €80m (£70m). They would love to have a bid come in from Liverpool and United to get an auction going.”
The Express also carry a story from France Football that claims Lille are waiting for offers to arrive from Liverpool and United for Pepe, which supports what Castles is saying.
Jurgen Klopp has one of the best attacks in world football at his disposal but the Liverpool boss needs to add more depth to his ranks to keep the likes of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane fresh, and Pepe would be an excellent addition if the Merseysiders could win the race for his signature.
However, United will provide stiff competition as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is gearing-up for a summer overhaul and it seems he’s eyeing a move for Pepe amid speculation over the future of Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial .
