Barclona sports chief Eric Abidal is taking a close look at Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe has emerged as one of the hottest young talents on the continent, scoring four goals already this season - including a hat-trick in victory at Amiens last week.

Arsenal are in contact Pepe's camp, while he has been watched by Manchester United, Barca and Real Madrid.

Mundo Deportivo says Abidal has received glowing reports on Pepe and is ready to step up their interest ahead of the winter market.

Abidal has told his assistants that Pepe is a "very, very interesting" prospect.