Reds boss advised not to sign Ligue 1 duo this summer

Jurgen Klopp has been advised against signing Nicolas Pepe and Memphis Depay this summer.

The two Ligue 1 strikers have been heavily linked with moves to Merseyside following Liverpool’s Champions League triumph, with various outlets reporting that deals are imminent while others throw cold water on the rumours.

Either way, French football expert Rich Allen has suggested that the Reds boss should avoid pursing either player during this transfer window as neither are up to scratch.

READ: Liverpool linked with move for £71million Serie A star

LYON, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 27: Memphis Depay of Olympique Lyonnais looks on during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester City at Groupama Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

READ: Jurgen Klopp makes major striker decision ahead of next season

Speaking on Blood Red channel podcast (via the Mirror), Allen explained: “Yes Depay has got his career back on track to a degree but he’s still an intensely frustrating player.

“On his day he can be up there with the very best. Some of the skills, movement, passing and finishing he’s got can be marvellous but so often his head disappears or he gets such an inflated ego that he gets frustrated and disappears.

“I think any club going for him has to bear that in mind – that he has to be the number one player in the team, that he has to be loved, adored and pampered – and if I’m Liverpool, I’m not necessarily sure I’d be looking to introduce a character like his into that squad, which has fantastic camaraderie and togetherness.

“As for Pepe, he was Lille’s stand-out player this season, and arguably the stand-out player in Ligue 1, but for the money wanted for him, I think it’s a bit of a gamble, as Lille are looking for a fee in the €65-70m region.

“I could see him at a Premier League team, but for that amount of money, you’d be buying him to be a first-team player, which for me would probably rule Liverpool out. It will be difficult for Liverpool to warrant paying €65-70m on a a player who’s going to be second choice behind Salah for example.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com