Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Lille ace all summer long.
According to a report from the London Evening Standard, Liverpool are prioritising a new contract for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rather than pursuing a deal for Lille ace Nicolas Pepe.
The Reds were believed to be in the market for a new forward, with French publication L’Equipe reporting that £71 million-rated Pepe, 24, is one of their prime summer transfer targets.
Now the London Evening Standard suggest that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has full faith in the Ox, however, and is preparing to extend his current £120,000 per week contract (Spotrac) by a further 12 months.
Good decision by the Reds?
Pepe enjoyed a great season will Lille, racking up an impressive 23 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.
£71 million does seem to be a lot of money for Liverpool to spend on someone who is unproven in the Premier League, however, and it could actually be argued that the Ivorian is no better than Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The 25-year-old has only just returned from a serious injury, and if he can rediscover his best form, he will undoubtedly be an important player for Liverpool next season, and could save the Merseyside club millions in the transfer market.
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