Newcastle could have signed Nicolas Pepe from Angers in January but now Lille are favourites to land the winger.
Nicolas Pepe
Newcastle United could have signed Angers winger Nicolas Pepe for £10m in January, but now look set to miss out after failing to make a move.
The Chronicle reports that midway through the 2016/17 season Pepe, who has been a key target for the Magpies for some time, was available for a lot less than he is now worth.
Marcelo Bielsa
That is because the 22-year-old has had an impressive second half of the campaign and talkSPORT claim that Lille have now moved ahead of Newcastle in the race to secure his signature and have entered advanced negotiations.
Lyon are also believed to be interested in Pepe as the English club have fallen behind in the race to sign the forward ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
It begs the question of whether Rafael Benitez should have made a more concerted effort to sign the Ivory Coast international in January, with the same Chronicle report referring to the fact that £8m was offered.
That would certainly not be sufficient anymore and with the likes of Lyon being able to offer European football, it is easy to see why Pepe is tempted by the opportunity to stay playing football in France.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
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