It has been a quiet transfer window for Manchester City, and now Manuel Pellegrini has failed to land his number one target – Real Madrid’s Pepe.
Pepe has established himself at the hear of the Madrid defence this season alongside Sergio Ramos. Indeed, the gifted Portuguese international has made more appearances for Los Blancos this season than any other player.
Manchester City are desperate to strengthen their defence. Pellegrini’s gung-ho approach is paying dividends in the English Premier League, but he knows that he needs to be more defence minded if he is to build towards European glory next season.
City are over-reliant on Vincent Kompany in the centre of their defence. When he is injured, their back up looks pretty threadbare. Pepe has everything going for him except his age, he is now the wrong side of thirty, but top level experience can often be priceless.
Pellegrini made a bid of €25M for Pepe, but Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti turned the offer down flat, insisting that his player was not for sale at any price. Pepe himself is happy to stay at the Bernabeu, he has his eyes on a domestic and European treble.
Manchester City have the cash to burn, but in this case they won’t get their man.
