Real Madrid transfer news: Portugal’s Euro 2016 winner Pepe set to become latest big-name star to make lucrative move to China
Defender ready to leave Bernabeu after ten years as head is turned by two £8.5million-a-year offers from Far East
REAL MADRID defender Pepe is the latest European star set for a lucrative move to China.
The Portuguese international’s Bernabeu contract expires next June but talks over a new deal have stalled after months of negotiations.
And, , Pepe’s head has now been turned by two ‘unrejectable’ offers from the Far East.
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One of which is believed to be worth £8.5million-a-season with Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune, who are bossed by former Madrid and Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Pepe, 33, he has been with the Spanish giants for 10 years and is regarded as one of the best centre-halves in the club’s history.
He has won two Champions Leagues crowns in that time – including Madrid’s famous ‘Decima’ in 2014 – as well as two La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey’s and two Club World Cups.
Agent Jorge Mendes has been in talks over a contract extension since Pepe won Euro 2016 with Portugal in the summer.
Zinedine Zidane is keen to keep the star at the club but no agreement has been reached as Madrid refuse to hand more than one-year deal to players over the age of 32.
Chinese sides would have no problem handing Pepe a longer contract, despite his advancing years.
The only stumbling block could be Pepe's fear that a season playing at a lower level could affect his chances of making Portugal's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
If he agrees a move, he will join at the end of the current season.
Pepe will follow Chelsea midfielder Oscar to the Chinese Super League after the Brazilian agreed a £60m move to Shanghai SIPG last week.