Liverpool deny suggestion they are in talks with Lille over Pepe move

Liverpool have been quick to respond to claims made by RMC Sport’s chief football editor Mohamed Bouhafsi suggesting the Reds are in “concrete discussions” with LOSC Lille over a move for Nicolas Pepe.

Bouhafsi suggested on Tuesday that the Reds were one of three clubs interested in a move for Pepe, and were in talks with the Ligue 1 side over a deal for the winger.

However, according to ESPN FC journalist Melissa Reddy, Liverpool have strongly denied Bouhafsi’s suggestion that discussions have taken place with Lille.

Twitter: #LFC call info they’ve had talks with Lille over Nicolas Pepe “pure lies.”
No meetings/discussions of any sort have… https://t.co/WdVGwmZsEJ (@MelissaReddy_) 

The report suggests Liverpool feel as though the claims have been made to drum up further interest in the Ivory Coast international.

Pepe was the second highest goalscorer in Ligue 1 last season, netting 22 times as Lille finished as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain.