Real Madrid plot summer move for Man City defender as Pepe set to leave

15 feb 2017

Real Madrid are set to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window as Portuguese defender Pepe will be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. The experience centre-back’s current deal with the LaLiga giants expires at the end of the season and the former Manchester United and Juventus target has been tempted by a big-money move from the Far East and he will be joining a Chinese Super League club (probably Hebei Fortune) in July.

According to reports in Portugal, Real Madrid are planning to replace their departing defender with Manchester United defensive star Nicolas Otamendi who is getting some regular game time at the Etihad Stadium despite the expensive signing of John Stones last season.

The Argentinean defender has 28 appearances with the Premier League giants so far this season and his contract with Manchester City is set to expire in June 2020. Reports in Portugal claim the 29-year-old is the Merengues’ favourite pick to replace Pepe in the 2017/18 campaign.