The president of French side Lille has revealed that 'discussions are happening with prestigious clubs' for the signing of Nicolas Pepe, amid rumoured interest from Manchester United and Man City.
Pepe is in high demand this summer following a sublime season in Ligue 1, as he bagged 23 goals and added a further 12 assists in 41 games out from the right flank.
The 24-year-old's performances helped drive Lille to second place in the division, a return to Champions League football and a remarkable 5-1 victory over champions PSG after being on the cusp of relegation the season prior.
After such an incredible year it's expected that Pepe will depart for pastures new this summer and there's no shortage of suitors.
Lille president Gerard Lopez has revealed that no deal will be completed until after Ivory Coast's run in the African Cup of Nations is over and that the winger wants to 'have discussions' with the managers who want to sign him.
"We don’t overestimate anything. We know what the offers are," Lopez told L'Equipe, via Get French Football News.
"I also wanted to close this situation before AFCON. At the request of his entourage, we have waited for a bit. And Nico told us that he wanted to concentrate on AFCON.
"He also wants to have discussions with the managers [interested in signing him]. I am not worried. We will look at the facts.
"His entourage has a preferred destination... Discussions are happening with prestigious clubs where he could be happy. Aside from that, everyone has the right to have preferences.”
It's also claimed by the French newspaper that Pepe's 'entourage's' preferred destination is PSG, while City, Liverpool and Inter are the clubs holding discussions.
Latest rumours suggest that United will be interested in Pepe to replace Romelu Lukaku should the Belgian depart for Inter.
