The future of Lille forward Nicolas Pepe is soon to become apparent according to the Ligue 1 club's president.

Ivory Coast forward Pepe has been one of the most-discussed names of the transfer window after scoring 23 goals in 41 appearances last season, his second since joining the club from Angers.

The 24-year-old was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool , where he would be considered as striking backup to the Reds' attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Reports in France even went as far as saying that the Reds had placed "a concrete offer" for the 15-times capped forward, who featured for the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations in the summer.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

But Liverpool soon reacted to their supposed interest by branding the stories as "pure lies", with sporting director Michael Edwards even reaching out to Lille manager Christophe Galtier to assure him that the Reds had no interest in the forward.

That hasn't stopped more links with the Reds in France though, while more recently Manchester United were said to be preparing a deal for Pepe.

Speaking to French outlet La Viox du Nord - reported here via Get French Football News - Lille president Gerard Lopez said a move is imminent for the forward.

Show Player

(Image: REUTERS)

“Our work is done," he said.

"In terms of departures and arrivals, if a player leaves, we will go and get what we need.

"For Nico, it is almost done and he could have left last summer.

Show more

"It is true that there are big offers and big clubs in for him, so I think (he will leave). Aside from that, you never know in football.”

Pepe is rumoured to be available for around £70million, with Arsenal and Inter Milan also linked with him.