Nicolas Pepe’s permanent exit from Ligue 1 club Lille is on the verge of completion, although we do not yet know where to, according to the club’s president Gerard Lopez.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a terrific campaign on the right-wing last term, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, announcing himself to clubs around Europe in the process.
The Mirror claim he’s been linked ourselves, Inter, Arsenal and Manchester United.
“Our work is done,” Lopez told French outlet La Viox du Nord – translated Get French Football News.
“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.”
Respected Liverpool correspondents have repeatedly told us we have no interest in Pepe, despite those on the continent disagreeing, so we’d be surprised to see the Ivorian through the door before the window shuts.
If we really are in for Pepe, the manner in which we’ve kept such an expensive potential quiet is mightily impressive!
Instead, we predict Liverpool will move for a backup left-back and leave it at that – allowing Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster consistent minutes in rotation with our world-class front-three.
Who Andy Robertson will be though, we’re equally in the dark at the moment!