New Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is extremely keen on bringing Real Madrid defender Pepe before the end of the transfer window. The club recently lost Kolo Toure to Liverpool on a free transfer, while it is also understood that Pellegrini does not see Joleon Lescott as a first-team regular.

Hence, he wants to bring in Real Madrid defender Pepe, who has been one of the controversial figures in Spanish football over the last few years. The Portuguese defender is not thought to be in the plans of new manager Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernebeu.

However, there could be a slight chance that Pepe will end up staying at Real Madrid beyond the summer because there have been reports that Italian club Napoli are looking to sign Raul Albiol, who has found it extremely hard to secure a first-team spot since his arrival from Valencia a few years ago. The combination of Pepe and Sergio Ramos had dominated the central defence under José Mourinho and the Spaniard does not see his opportunities increasing under Ancelotti as well.

Pepe could cost in the region of £ 20 million, which could put Manchester City off. However, they are extremely keen on strengthening the defence, which was extremely inconsistent last season under Roberto Mancini.

Meanwhile, City also want to confirm the deal that would take Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo to the Etihad stadium. City have been in talks with the Spanish club over a £ 20 million transfer for the last few weeks. There are also involved in negotiations with Fiorentina over the transfer of Stevan Jovetic. These signings would help them finally strengthen the attack department, which has been severely weakened following the departures of Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli. City have failed in the pursuits of Falcao and Edinson Cavani.