Manchester United switch attention to Pepe

Manchester United look set to turn their attention to Real Madrid’s defender Pepe as they search for a new centre back, according to reports.

The Old Trafford side have been linked all summer long with a move for Sergio Ramos and were prepared to pay 50 million euros to take him to the Premier League. Despite reports of a fall out with club president Florentino Perez it seems the 29-year-old is ready to commit his future to Los Blancos by signing a new five year deal that would end United’s interest.

But Madrid-based daily AS says Louis van Gaal is now keen on a move for Pepe, who has less than a year to run on his current deal. The Portugal international has yet to sign a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and would be free to talk to other clubs in January.

The 32-year-old has been a stalwart for the club in recent seasons, helping them to a number of trophies including the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey, European Cup and World Club Cup.

Last season though, he found himself out of the side more often, with young defender Raphael Varane playing more minutes. With a couple of good years at the top still in him, Pepe may look at his options before deciding what to do.