Report: Manchester City chase Real Madrid's Pepe

Manchester City are expected to make a £21m bid for Real Madrid defender Pepe, according to a report.

City are looking to bolster their options in the centre of defence having released Kolo Toure on a free transfer to Liverpool last week.

Joleon Lescott is also out of favour at the Etihad and the Blues will look to test the resolve of the Spanish giants with a big money bid for the Portuguese, according to Spanish publication AS.

Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has been widely tipped to take over the reins at the vacant job at City and is thought to be an admirer of the 30-year-old Pepe.

City have already dipped into La Liga this transfer window by singing Sevilla winger Jesus Navas for a reported fee of £23m.