Pepe in Real link

Pepe, 24 this week, joined Porto from Maritimo in 2004 and has since become a stalwart of the Porto defence, playing in the centre of a back three and also comfortable as a conventional centre back.

The player holds a Portuguese passport and is eligible to play for both nations, which would facilitate a move to Real as he would not take up a non-EU player spot. Real will be looking to sign a defender in the summer as Jonathan Woodgate is likely to move back to England with current club Middlesbrough or another side.

Chelsea - who have failed to adequately replace William Gallas and Robert Huth - are also rumoured to be interested in the player, as are Juventus should they secure promotion to Serie A at the end of the season.

Pepe has three years remaining on his current deal with Porto so would command a high fee.