The Angers winger has attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Newcastle United among them.
Newcastle United are tracking talented Ivory Coast youngster Nicolas Pepe but are unlikely to make an approach in the final week of the January transfer window, The Chronicle reports.
The 21-year-old has impressed for Ligue 1 strugglers Angers this season, with his two goals making him the club’s joint second highest goalscorer.
As a result, a number of clubs across the continent are said to have expressed an interest and, if L’Equipe are to be believed, Newcastle are preparing to go head-to-head with the likes of Juventus, Roma and Monaco for his £8.5 million-rated signature.
Nonetheless, The Chronicle reports that although Magpies scout Graham Carr continues to track Pepe, Newcastle will not be making a move this month as Rafa Benitez continues to prioritise a central midfielder and a left winger.
However, they add that a deal could be approached in the summer, regardless of which league Newcastle find themselves in.
Also, the addition of a highly-rated 21-year-old is likely to interest owner Mike Ashley who, according to the Mirror, is planning to reintroduce his controversial strategy of signing young players on the cheap with an eye on selling them for a profit later down the line.
And Pepe certainly fits the bill.
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