Transfer Alert: Jose Mourinho closing in on star Real Madrid defender
Sep 13, 2016 at 5:11 PM
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is keen to sign Real Madrid defender Pepe, according to reports in Spain.
The 33-year old is one of the best defenders available in Europe despite age being a factor. He has helped Real Madrid win Champions League last season and also won Euro 2016 with Portugal earlier this summer.
Mourinho was keen to add an experienced defender before the close of the transfer window but has failed to land one despite being heavily linked with his countryman Jose Fonte who decided to stay with Southampton for the next season.
Mourinho has worked with Pepe earlier during his time at Real Madrid where the duo has helped the European champions to win a La Liga and Copa del Rey before Jose moving to Stamford Bridge for his second spell with Chelsea.
Despite his fine form, Real Madrid have not offered a new contract tot he central defender with his current deal expiring next month. According to Marca, Jose Mourinho is keen to lure his former player to Old Trafford as he is in need of more defensive players.
The new manager has gone with Eric Bailly and Daley Blind in the middle since the start of the season but the pair particularly Blind failed miserably in the game against Manchester City which raised questions over their defense.
Chris Smalling is still recovering from his injury while Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo’s future remains unclear at the club. The Red devils are keen to lure the Portuguese international as he is still one of the premier defenders in Europe despite being 33.
However, the recent ban on Real Madrid meant they cannot sign any players until January 2018 which could prove to be a stumbling block for the deal but Manchester United are hopeful to pull off a deal for the veteran defender as they are in need of a defensive leader.