Liverpool FC transfer news: Lille president confirms Pepe’s exit is close

Lille president Gerard Lopez has confirmed that Nicolas Pepe’s exit from the Ligue 1 club is almost done.

The Ivorian was the second-highest goalscorer in Ligue 1 last season and helped Les Dogues finish second in the league.

The 24-year-old has been linked with Liverpool and French reports have claimed that the Reds had submitted an offer for the winger (h/t Mirror).

Pepe scored 22 goals and even played for the Ivory Coast team in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Lopez spoke about his club’s summer business and told La Viox du Nord (h/t Mirror) that Pepe could have even left last summer:

“Our work is done. 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.”

Pepe will not come on the cheap

The Ivorian could cost around £70million with Arsenal and Inter Milan also keen on the 24-year-old (h/t Mirror).

Pepe could be an excellent signing for any top club, however, there is a risk involved given his high asking price.

Liverpool had come out earlier in the transfer window to dismiss rumours of our interest in the Ivorian, however, the Reds have been continuously linked with a move for Pepe (h/t Mirror).

The Reds have been quiet in this transfer window, landing only Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle.

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Liverpool need quality cover and competition for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, but have youngsters Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson on their books.