Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain 'going head-to-head for Nicolas Pepe'

Lille star Nicolas Pepe is reportedly at the centre of a transfer tug or war between European heavyweights Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old boasts 17 goals and eight assists from attacking midfield this season and is considered one of the hottest talents on the continent.

Barca and PSG are not alone in showing an interest in Pepe, with Bayern Munich also rumoured to be in the running, but France Football reports that the presidents of both clubs met with Lille chiefs last month to discuss a move.

Lille are believed to be prepared to cash in on the Ivory Coast international, who is valued in the region of £72m, and it may be a straight shootout between the champions of Spain and France for his signature.

Pepe has spent his entire senior career in French football, having also previously represented Poitiers, Angers and Orleans prior to his switch to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2017.