Over the January transfer window, we covered in relatively comprehensive detail the situation surrounding Newcastle United and Hull City’s interest in Angers’ Nicolas Pépé.
The young Ivory Coast international was attracting a lot of interest from the two English sides as well as Marseille and Lyon in France, but the Ligue 1 club decided to hold onto their star until, at least, the summer.
Agreeing with the forward he would be allowed to leave during the upcoming transfer window if the right offer arrived, Angers are now bracing themselves for a few offers, including one from Rafael Benitez’s side.
L’Equipe on Tuesday explain that, as soon as they were promoted, Newcastle made their interest public to the player and the Ligue 1 side, and, apparently, ‘have a head start’ on the competition.
The 21-year-old is said to be waiting until after the Coupe de France final, where Angers face Paris Saint-Germain, to make a decision, knowing he will need time to sift through all the proposals likely to land on his desk in the coming weeks.
Monaco are also said to be interested, while Watford and Lille have made a few enquiries regarding his availability recently.
As things stand, it appears Newcastle are the favourites, but that could all change depending on the offer they present him.
Money isn’t everything for Pépé, and whoever promises him the most game time will also have a good chance to get him to say ‘yes’.
