Everton reportedly battling Liverpool over French striker

According to sources close to L’Equipe in France, Liverpool and Everton are both eyeing up a move for Angers striker Nicolas Pepe. Pepe, a 21-year-old Ivory Coast international, hasn’t had the greatest of all seasons this year as his side have struggled in Ligue 1.

Angers, remember started out 2015/16’s Ligue 1 season in great form, but they have fallen back to earth hard of late. Pepe wasn’t even with the team last season as he was on loan. He’s scored just two goals so far this season in a difficult time for the club.

If Pepe is being linked to Everton, there is a good reason for it. He’d likely do very well there given the fact that he is a little bit less well-known.

The fit with Liverpool looks a strange one as they are in need of the finished article right now. But with Lukaku, Everton can take time to develop a youngster.