Liverpool make it clear they’ve got no interest in Lille winger Nicolas Pepe

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Liverpool are at pains to point out they are not interested in signing Nicolas Pepe from Ligue 1 club Lille, according to ESPN.

They report that the Reds feel their name is being used to bump up the valuation of the winger which is around £70 million already and claim there has been no meeting of any sort over him.

The report also says that sporting director Michael Edwards personally got involved earlier this month, calling Lille boss Christophe Galtier to tell him Liverpool have ‘no interest’ in Pepe.

‘Pure lies’ is how Liverpool reportedly describe the speculation, and it is clear just how much the club want to distance themselves from the links.

Unless this is a hugely brave double bluff, Liverpool do not seem keen on spending big on the versatile wideman to add another stellar option up front.

Liverpool seem fairly content with their squad, and only look likely to dip into the market to replace Alberto Moreno or perhaps Simon Mignolet if he goes.

But is that a wise idea? It’s usually good to invest from a position of strength, keeping the squad motivated and fresh – just as Manchester City did when they signed Riyad Mahrez as their record arrival after winning the league with 100 points.

Pepe could have a similar impact on the Liverpool attack – he wouldn’t play every week but he would provide increased depth, variety and competition for the Reds.