Liverpool & Man Utd both in talks over deal to sign exciting £70m attacker

Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Liverpool and Man Utd are linked with Nicolas Pepe…

Liverpool and Manchester United are both in talks over a potential deal to sign £70m-rated Lille attacker Nicolas Pepe this summer, according to journalist Duncan Castles.

Pepe has developed into one of the most exciting players in French football since joining Lille from Angers in 2017 and the gifted attacker provided 23 goals and 12 assists in his 41 appearances in all competitions this season.

That superb form has alerted a whole host of clubs throughout Europe and Duncan Castles – who works for the Sunday Times and the Daily Record – claims Liverpool and Man Utd are among those to have expressed their interest.

Castles says Liverpool have already opened talks with Pepe’s representatives to discuss a potential move to Anfield and Lille are now waiting for the Merseysiders to table a formal offer 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 in the running 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.

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 Man Utd to get an auction going.”

*Listen from the 20th minute

The Express also carry a story from France Football [no link as it’s published in their print magazine] that claims Lille are waiting for offers to arrive from Liverpool and Manchester 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, Man Utd 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.

READ –> Liverpool transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Pepe is known for his explosive pace and power and he can play up front as a striker or out on the right wing so his versatility would be a useful asset for Liverpool or United if either club could lure him to England this summer.