Manchester United in transfer battle with Real Madrid for Lille attacker Nicolas Pepe
REAL MADRID will fight it out with Manchester United for Lille star Nicolas Pepe.
United have turned their attention to the Ivory Coast international after Borussia Dortmund refused to sell Jadon Sancho.
And while United have made contact with Lille for the 23-year-old, the Spanish giants have also registered their interest.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Pepe is bound to throw a spanner in the works for United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to reshape his attacking options ahead of a crucial season as they look to bridge the huge gap between themselves, Liverpool and champions Manchester City.
Pepe is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe.
The attacker hit 20 goals and picked up 11 assists as Lille finished second in Ligue 1 and will take part in next season’s Champions League.
SUMMER BIDDING WAR
Lille are resigned to losing Pepe but will demand at least £45million.
But they will hope Real’s interest will spark a summer bidding war with the Premier League side.
Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has made it clear to club president Florentino Perez he wants a deal for Pepe wrapped up as soon as possible.
Zidane wants Pepe to join Eden Hazard and Paul Pogba as part of his new-look team at the Bernabeu next term as they attempt to challenge Barcelona’s domestic dominance.
Last month his agent admitted that talks with other clubs are being held but hinted that Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation.
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Samit Khiat told RTL: "We are in discussions with clubs. No decision has been taken.
“Today, there are no favourites, be it Bayern Munich or another club.
“Nicolas will not go just anywhere. We have not decided on which league.”