Talks for a renewal between the Portuguese centre-back and Los Blancos has reportedly reached a roadblock due to disagreements over tenure, alerting the attentions of the Premier League giants
Madrid based newspaper Marca have revealed the negotiations between Pepe and Real Madrid for a new contract have reached an impasse after the two parties failed to reach an agreement over the length of the renewal.
The report suggests the 33-year-old defender is holding out for a 2-year contract, similar to the one he had signed back in August, 2015. However, the club is only willing to offer a renewal for a period 12 months.
While Pepe has been impressive every time he has stepped on to the pitch, the club are said to be worried by his recent spate of injuries that have seemed to crop up in the last two years. That, along with his age is said to be the primary reason behind Real Madrid’s unwillingness to offer a two year deal to the defender.
With Pepe’s current contract with Real Madrid said to be end in June 2017, the club could risk losing the defender on a free transfer if an agreement for a renewal is not reached. Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea are said to be ranked high on the list of potential suitors for the Portuguese international, with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho having already worked extensively with the player.
Due to Pepe’s contract situation, he will be eligible to sign a pre-contract with any potential club in the January transfer window which will enable that club to acquire the defender on a Bosman in the summer.
Real Madrid have been imposed with a transfer embargo until 2018, due to which the Spanish club won’t be able to register any new player until the ban is over. As such, it makes it of utmost importance for the club and the manager to hold-on to their integral players.
With futures of most of the Galacticos already secured, Real Madrid fans would be hoping an uniformity in the negotiations between Pepe and the club is achieved soon.
