Manchester City are chasing Real Madrid defender Pepe.

The Portugal star, 30, is one of Manuel Pellegrini's main targets as he prepares to take charge at the Etihad Stadium.

The Daily Star says Pepe is behind Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the pecking order at Madrid and with his career nearing its latter stages, the centre-half will be eager for first-team football.

Clubs will have to stump up around £20m for his signature, the price being inflated given that Pepe is under contract until 2016.