Chelsea have joined the battle for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

The Times says Chelsea and Manchester City are both preparing to join the race to sign Pepe.

Pepe, 23, is in sensational form this season with eight goals and seven assists in just 12 league appearances.

City boss Pep Guardiola wants the Ivory Coast international to bolster their already formidable attack.

The player, valued at around £44million, has sparked the interest of Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who could lose winger Willian to Barcelona.