Liverpool in contact with Lille winger Nicolas Pepe over £70m move?

Liverpool have reportedly increased their efforts to sign Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in France, with 22 goals and 11 assists coming in Ligue 1, and it has led to strong speculation regarding the Ivory Coast international's future.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among the clubs said to be interested in Pepe, but journalist Duncan Castles has claimed that Liverpool are looking to challenge for the wideman's signature.

Castles told The Transfer Window Podcast: "Liverpool have been, I'm told, in contact with Pepe's agent to discuss a deal, discuss his interest in coming there, what it would cost to bring him there. Lille are aware of this and are waiting for a bid."

Lille have allegedly accepted that they will be unable to keep hold of Pepe, despite their star man having helped guide the club into the Champions League.