Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Lille as they look to pip their Premier League rivals to the signing of striker Nicolas Pepe.

It was claimed last week that Chelsea were ready to splash £70million on the 23-year-old after identifying him as their No. 1 target to replace Eden Hazard, who could move to Real Madrid.

But now reports in France suggest Liverpool have stolen a march in the race for Pepe's signature by asking Lille about his availability.

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