Liverpool will not be making a bid for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, according to reports in the local media.
Claims from France suggested that the Reds were the frontrunners to sign the Ivorian international for €80m (£71m) but as things stand, he is not likely to be moving to Merseyside this summer.
Fans on Twitter were left disappointed by the news:
That’s a shame
— Uncle Tresh ? (@TundeTresh) June 10, 2019
No big signings this summer.
— Chris Rosser (@rosser2002) June 10, 2019
Crazy
— (@Ericconstance2) June 10, 2019
— AK (@AKayani07) June 9, 2019
Boooooooooooooooooooooo
— YoMama (@TheKlopptimist) June 9, 2019
We know we are in for a negative summer were we stand still, FSG will feel full force when this backfires
— Van The Man (@DavidVaughan5) June 9, 2019
Although some are still optimistic that a deal for Pepe will still go ahead:
Maybe this is a smokescreen and we really are in for him
— Chris Pearce (@Pearci90) June 10, 2019
The more u guys stress, it makes it clear we may sign him ??
— Sagar( 6 times in Madrid ?????? LFC♥️⚽??) (@nithesh_sagar) June 10, 2019
So basically…. pepe incoming?
— Koff (@LFC_NE) June 9, 2019
Reporters who have sources close to the club have consistently said that Liverpool are unlikely to be active in the transfer market this summer with Jurgen Klopp happy with the options at his disposal.
However, many supporters feel the club need to kick on so they can displace Manchester City at the top of the table next season.
Pepe’s 23 goals and 12 assists for Lille last campaign means he would add extra firepower to the squad, but currently, it appears Liverpool are not interested.