Bernabeu centre-back hopes to make Etihad Stadium switch.
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Real Madrid defender Pepe is hoping for a switch to Premier League giants Manchester City, according to Punto Pelota.
The report claims that the Portuguese defender is unhappy in Madrid right now, and remains unsure about his future. New manager Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be ready to let Pepe go this summer, as the player is not in his plans going forward. Manchester City are reportedly keen on taking Pepe to the Premier League.
Having already opened talks with Real Madrid over his transfer, it’s understood that an offer in the region of £21.5million would be enough to lure the 30-year old defender from Madrid this summer. City have already reportedly held talks with Pepe himself, and are ready to offer a four-year deal worth around £115,000-a-week.
Going into pre-season, Pepe is the current third choice centre back at Madrid, after falling behind Sergio Ramos and rising star Raphael Varane in the pecking order this past season. In search of more regular football, he is considering a switch to Manchester City, where he would rival Matija Nastasic to partner Belgian defender Vincent Kompany at the back. His experience and Spanish nature of reading and playing the game may give him the edge under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, who left Malaga for the Etihad this summer.
Manchester City are in search for a potential centre back arrival, following the news they are prepared to sell English defender Joleon Lescott this summer, for as little as £5million. Having lost his place to Nastasic last season, Lescott is interesting former club Everton and West Ham.