Clubs in France have already made the move for the tricky winger.
Lille and Lyon have both tabled offer for talented Angers winger Nicolas Pepe, France Football reports, meaning reported suitors on the other side of The Channel may have to act fast.
The 21-year-old is enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 and has attracted interest from a number of clubs across the continent.
And, according to France Football, Bruno Genesio’s Lyon opened the bidding at the end of December but Ligue 1 rivals Lille have now also expressed an interest, offering 6 million euros after sending scouts to watch Pepe in action during Angers’ 2-0 defeat to PSG earlier in the season.
However, L’Equipe reported recently that Angers would only be willing to accept bids of up to 10 million euros for the wideman, who is their second top scorer in Ligue 1 this season with two goals.
They add that Newcastle United have expressed an interest in making Pepe their first January signing and, with Rafael Benitez’s desire for a winger well publicised, the hitherto unknown Ivory Coast international could fit the bill.
Newcastle’s reported attempts to sign Hull City talisman Robert Snodgrass hit the buffers after The Tigers owners triggered an extension within his contract last month, per The Sun, meaning he would not be able to leave on the cheap in January.
Furthermore, GetWestLondon claimed recently that Brentford’s Alan Judge, one of the most impressive attacking players in the Championship last season, will not be departing in January despite entering the final six months of his contract.
A broken leg means he has not played a single minute of football all season.
Therefore, this ongoing frustration, coupled with reported target Daryl Horgan’s decision to sign for Preston, could well push Benitez in the direction of the Paris suburbs in January with Pepe looking increasingly likely to depart.
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