The Nicolas Pepe transfer saga is a little confusing.
Respected English journalists claim we have no interest at all, and when you consider Divock Origi has just signed a new contract and how good Rhian Brewster has looked this pre-season so far – we’re inclined to believe them.
But reporters of equal note on the continent, such as Mohamed Bouhafsi – are adamant that we are keen on Lille’s Ivorian forward.
And French outlet La Voix du Nord, described by translators Get French Football News as ‘hyper-reliable,’ have claimed a proposal by Liverpool has been discussed by Lille alongside offers from Inter Milan, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
Pepe enjoyed a terrific season in Ligue 1 last term, scoring over 20 goals in all competitions and making waves around Europe with his brand of dribbling and shooting.
Like Mo Salah, he does his best work on the right, cutting in and scoring with his left – so it may seem odd for the Reds to spend serious money on someone who plays in the same position as our best player.
But in 2017, that’s exactly what we did by bringing Salah in, with Sadio Mane the occupier of the right-wing slot at the time of the Egyptian’s arrival.
Still, we’re not buying it – and reckon the rumours of our interest is entirely led by agents and those who will benefit financially from our name being in the mix.