Contract talks between Pepe and Real Madrid have hit a standstill as the centre-back holds out for a two-year deal, report Marca.
Marca claim that though the La Liga giants are keen to tie Pepe down to a new contract, they will only offer him a 12-month extension, whereas he wants to stay on for two more years.
The Spanish paper claim that Pepe can sign a pre-contract agreement with any side in January as he enters the final months of his contract, naming Manchester United and Chelsea as potential suitors.
Jose Mourinho could well be keen to add Pepe’s wealth of experience to his faltering defence. He also knows the 33-year-old well, after their time together at the Bernabeu.
Antonio Conte has recently switched to a 3-4-3 formation at Stamford Bridge, with this comes a need for defensive reinforcements. Cesar Azpilicueta is currently being used as a make-shift centre-back and Gary Cahill’s shortfalls have been clear for all to see in recent seasons. The Italian could target Pepe as he looks to sure-up his back line.