Football News

Nicolas Pepe subject to “big offers” amid Man Utd links

By John Smith

Published: 16:37, 23 July 2019

Lille president Gerard Lopez has admitted “big offers” are coming in for Nicolas Pepe amid Manchester United links.

The Ivorian winger bagged an impressive 22 goals and 11 assists last season as Les Dogues finished runners-up to PSG in Ligue 1.

Pepe to Man Utd? Five key things to know…

  • Pepe was Ligue 1’s second-highest goalscorer last season.
  • The Ivorian also registered the joint-second-highest number of assists (11).
  • His form has sparked speculation of a move to a bigger club.
  • Man Utd have been most heavily linked.
  • Lille president Lopez has admitted “big offers” have come in and that he’ll likely leave this summer.

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That form has sparked serious interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and reports now suggest United have placed a £70m bid.

And although Lopez has not specified which clubs are actually vying for his services, he did admit Pepe is set to leave this summer with “big offers” already being made.

Lopez told La Voix du Nord: “Our work is done.

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“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.”

Man Utd to face competition

Pepe’s goal return in Ligue 1 was only bettered by Kylian Mbappe (33) last season and speaking earlier in July, his agent, Samir Khiat, admitted he could join the French World Cup winner in Paris.

“Nicolas is open to everything,” he said. “The aim is for him to sign in the right place. PSG is a possibility.

“Today, all parties need to reach an agreement. There are exchanges and discussions. He is wanted by a considerable number of clubs.

“For him, the most important thing is to be wanted and to go to a good club in which he will play and continue to progress.”