Liverpool open talks to sign in-form Ligue 1 winger?

Liverpool have reportedly approached Lille regarding the availability of Nicolas Pepe as they aim to beat their European rivals to the player's signature.

The Ivorian's agent has already confirmed that there is widespread interest in the player's services and a decision over his future will be made at the end of the season.

According to Le 10 Sport, the Reds are said to have stolen the march to pursue the winger after establishing contact with Lille regarding a summer transfer.

Pepe has notched 19 goals and 11 assists for Lille during the current campaign and his statistic has only been bettered by Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1.

Lille are currently said to value Pepe at around £69m and their president has indicated that there have turned down bids worth £50m for the attacker.

Lille are presently second in their league table and they are on course to qualify for the Champions League, barring a string of defeats to end the campaign.