Barcelona join race for Lille’s hat-trick ace Nicolas Pepe

Barcelona have joined the interest for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivory Coast international has kicked off the season impressively and hit a hat-trick for LOSC in victory over Amiens this weekend.

Telefoot says Pepe’s exploits have caught the eye of Barca, where coach Ernesto Valverde has actively discussed the attacker with his football directors.

Arsenal are already in talks with Pepe’s minders, while his performance on Saturday night was watched by Manchester United scouts.

Lille management know they face a battle to keep hold of their forward beyond the winter market.