French outfit Lille are close to signing Angers winger Nicolas Pepe.
Marcelo Bielsa
According to reports from France Football, Lille coach Marcelo Bielsa, is expecting the arrival of Angers winger Nicolas Pepe as early as this week.
The report says that Lille have reached a £10 million deal (€12 million) to secure his signature.
The 22-year-old is expected to arrive for his medical, and will be signing a five-year deal shortly.
The Ivorian International has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, Watford and Newcastle United in the recent weeks.
The Independent claimed last week that Newcastle are keen on the young forward, who impressed in his first top-flight campaign last season.
The report added that the French club could demand a fee in the region of £15m.
Nicolas Pepe
However, if the report from France Football is to be believed, Lille are signing him on a cut-price deal.
Having said that, £10million would still be a hell lot of money for an attacking player who is still largely unproven and yet to establish himself properly.
He has netted three goals in 47 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, and has only shown brilliance in flashes.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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