Pepe hopes for Real Madrid stay

Real Madrid defender Pepe hopes to remain at Santiago Bernabeu beyond the current campaign, El Confidencial has suggested.

The Portuguese centre-back is the only player in the squad whose deal is due to expire at the end of the season and he has yet to be offered a contract extension.

According to reports, Pepe would prefer to sign a new deal with los Blancos, but he is ready to consider other avenues if Real Madrid fail to offer him a new contract.

The reason why the Spanish giants are still undecided over Pepe’s future is that they have very good options in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, with Nacho Fernandez also capable of operating in the heart of defence.

And with Diego Llorente and Jesus Vallejo returning from loan stints next summer, the Portugal international may not have future at Santiago Bernabeu after all despite enjoying a very good season last term.