Real Madrid transfer news: Raphael Varane’s Manchester United transfer snub puts Pepe’s Los Blancos future in serious doubt
Veteran centre-back is out of contract next year and Zinedine Zidane must decide whether to stick or twist in defence
REAL MADRID star Pepe has just started his tenth season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But the defender’s time in the Spanish capital could be coming to an end this summer, according to reports.
Pepe has been a key player for Real ever since his £25million move from Porto in 2007.
The 33-year-old has won countless trophies with Los Blancos, including two la Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.
But Spanish newspaper claims Pepe is facing an uncertain future under Zinedine Zidane after entering the final year of his lucrative contract.
Closest rival Raphael Varane rejected a move to Manchester United in order to fight for a place alongside Sergio Ramos, and Zidane could be tempted to finally hand his compatriot a chance in the first team.
Real have been busy handing long-term contracts to future prospects in recent times, with the likes of Alvaro Morata and Marco Asensio tied down until 2022.
And with Pepe turning 34 in February, Zidane could apparently decide to cut him loose.
But the Frenchman will have to decide the centre-back’s future quickly, with clubs allowed to offer him a pre-contract from January and Bayern Munich showing some serious interest over the summer.