Manchester United scouting Southampton target Nicolas Pépé

Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on Ivory Coast international forward Nicolas Pépé, according to Telefoot (via Manchester Evening News).

The Premier League side, who defeated Young Boys 3-0 in Switzerland in their UEFA Champions League opener on Wednesday night, have been linked with a move for the highly-rated LOSC Lille winger ahead of the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old, who has eight international caps for his country, has impressively scored four goals and provided three assists in his opening five league outings for the Ligue 1 outfit so far this season.

Pépé, who was a reported transfer target for league rivals Southampton and La Liga side Sevilla in the summer, has netted 18 goals in 43 games overall for the club following his arrival from Angers back in June 2017.

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho in action with Lille’s Nicolas Pépé (left) during pre-season.

The report claims United have sent scouts to watch the right winger following his blistering start to the campaign, with Arsenal also thought to be monitoring the Ivorian’s performances, as well.

Pépé was thought to be the subject of a failed £12.5m bid from Southampton in the summer.

He is contracted at Lille until June 2022, and is valued at £14.4m.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94