Report: Real Madrid to rebuff Pepe bids

Manchester City's pursuit of Real Madrid's Pepe has hit a stumbling block after reports in Spain claimed that Los Blancos are not willing to sell the defender at any price.

The Citizens are short in numbers at the back having allowed Kolo Toure to join Liverpool on a free transfer, and are hoping to add a player with Champions League experience to their ranks.

Portuguese international Pepe has played in Europe's top competition for the past nine seasons, one of which was spent under the management of new City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Pellegrini has identified the 30-year-old as his top defensive target, but talkSPORT understands that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Pepe as an indispensable player will not listen to offers from City or any other suitor.

Apparently, recently-appointed Real coach Ancelotti has informed Pepe that he will be first choice next season, after he lost his place to youngster Raphael Varane when Jose Mourinho was in charge last term.