Liverpool are “scared” by the lack of communication coming from Nicolas Pepe as the Reds chase the Lille winger’s capture this summer, according to Mohamed Bouhafsi.
The chief football writer at RMC Sport, as relayed by Get French Football News, claims that the Anfield outfit are concerned by the silence of the 24-year-old forward but that the Ivory Coast international is giving all clubs the same lack of contact.
As indicated by @mohamedbouhafsi, Liverpool want to do a deal for Nicolas Pépé this summer. However, LFC are scared of the silence, which the Ivorian is giving (to every club). Wants to speak to each interested team's manager post-AFCON before deciding. https://t.co/HHFUapdQSO
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) July 10, 2019
It is stated that the Lille man, who fired 22 goals to help his side finish second in the French top-flight, as well as netting another strike in the French Cup, wants to hold talks with the managers of clubs chasing his capture after the African Cup of Nations.
The Ivory Coast take on Algeria in their quarter-final on Thursday.
Opinion
Any Champions League club looking for attacking reinforcements will be interested in poaching Pepe from Lille this summer and Liverpool will no doubt be among his suitors – even if they have been reported to distance themselves from a move recently. He is among the most exciting forwards European football has to offer right now and you can understand why he is willing to bide his time over where he might end up next. He does not want to rush into the first deal which comes his way and by discussing a potential move with what could be his next manager, he will get a good idea of where he fits into their plans. What could Klopp offer Pepe? Well, first team football is by no means a guarantee with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at Anfield, so that could rule the Reds out in an instant. Of course, money talks in football and if Liverpool think he is worth it, a hefty contract could turn his head.