Liverpool have rubbished reports suggesting they have held concrete talks with Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, according to ESPN.
The online outlet claim that the Reds have insisted that no talks or meetings have been held with the French club over the potential signing of the Ivorian.
ESPN report that the Anfield club feel they are being used as a pawn in an attempt to escalate interest in the 24-year-old, who is reportedly valued at £70million.
The chief football editor for RMC Sport, Mohamed Bouhafsi, suggested in an interview with Get French Football News that Liverpool had held talks with Pepe over a potential £71.6million bid.
OPINION
This move for Pepe seems to be taking another twist after weeks of reports suggesting Liverpool are interested in the winger. ESPN report that Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan are also interested in the Lille forward, with a move destined to happen this summer, despite the French club qualifying for Champions League football season. The 24-year-old would no doubt be a great signing for the club, but Liverpool are standing firm in their stance, and are not willing to let reports suggest they are in for the winger. The Ivorian international was outstanding last season, scoring 22 and assisted a further 11 goals in 38 appearances, and would bring great competition to Liverpool’s prolific front three next season should he make a move. With these latest admissions, a move elsewhere is definitely more likely should one of the rumoured clubs make an offer. No offers are currently on the table, so Liverpool are still in the race – despite their latest reveal.
