Manchester United are prepared to challenge Liverpool for highly-rated Ivorian Nicolas Pepe.
Manchester United are liking the idea of going toe-to-toe with Liverpool for the signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille. The forward, who had a breakthrough season with the French side, will cost €80 million.
The Ivorian bagged 22 goals and 11 assists in the league alone, making himself as one of the sought players in Europe currently. He has gathered interest from plenty of European sides, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Manchester United.
The reliable local paper La Voix du Nord have confirmed that the English rivals have enquired for Nicolas Pepe. Jurgen Klopp is said to be an admirer of the attacker, as the Reds boss prepares to rotate the forward line next season.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have rarely been on the sidelines, potentially easing the Reds cause for the Champions League pursuit. In order to challenge for the major trophies once again, the reigning Champions League winners have negotiated with Lille, but they are yet to make a move.
At the other side, Manchester United are in the redevelopment process under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian has already signed Daniel James from Swansea, and could potentially land Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the upcoming days.
Albeit the signing of the Welsh International, Solskjaer still prioritises to bolster the right-wing department as he is showing much-needed ‘ambition’. Nicolas Pepe fits the bill perfectly, operating through the same position for the French side over the last two years.
Lack of contribution towards the final third has been pointed out in recent days for the Red Devils forwards. Nicolas Pepe has the panache to run through defences and bag goals and assists.
The Ivorian is a necessary option for Liverpool and Manchester United and he possesses the chance of playing regularly with the latter.
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
Hyper-reliable local paper La Voix du Nord on Nicolas Pépé: “Liverpool & Manchester United have not had their last word. Especially the Manchester club, who want to build an ambitious squad for next season.”
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) June 23, 2019
TF1 on Nicolas Pépé: Inter Milan have upped their offer but to €75m not to €90m like L’Équipe say – neither the player nor Lille have made a decision. 5 other teams have shown an interest in doing a deal: Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool & Manchester United.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) June 23, 2019
Despite L’Equipe’s claims that Inter and Atlético Madrid were on the scene for Nicolas Pépé, La Voix du Nord feel it’s far from over, as Liverpool and ‘especially’ Manchester United still have a few tricks left up their sleeve.https://t.co/CLGR0DScKM
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) June 24, 2019
United have shown an interest in doing a deal for Nicolas Pepe. Inter have made a €75m bid. #mufc [Telefoot, @GFFN]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) June 23, 2019
What’s next?
Manchester United will be hoping to strengthen at least two positions before the summer transfer window ends. The Reds are desperate for Champions League football, and signings like Nicolas Pepe will prove the ambition of the club.
