Manchester United 'push ahead with £70m bid for Lille star Nicolas Pepe'

Manchester United are progressing in talks with Lille over the transfer of £70million winger Nicolas Pepe, according to reports.

The Ivory Coast winger has long been a United target, with Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool believed to be among the other Premier League suitors.

And they have stolen a march over their rivals by advancing their discussions with the Ligue 1 club last week, according to The Times.

Liverpool are yet to make an offer but have contacted the player's representatives, the report claims.

Pepe was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year last season and scored 22 times to propel Lille to a second-place finish and Champions League qualification.
 

The 24-year-old has three years remaining on his contract in France. United hope to secure the funds for his transfer by selling striker Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan.

They have already rejected a £54m bid from the Serie A club as they hold out for £90m. 

MailOnline