Manchester United are in talks with Lille for Nicolas Pepe.
The Times says United are progressing in talks with Lille over the transfer of 70million winger Pepe.
They have stolen a march over their rivals by advancing their discussions with the Ligue 1 club last week.
Liverpool are yet to make an offer but have contacted the player's representatives, the report claims.
Pepe was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year last season and scored 22 times to propel Lille to a second-place finish and Champions League qualification.
The 24-year-old has three years remaining on his contract in France. United hope to secure the funds for his transfer by selling striker Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan.
