Manchester City boosted in Pepe pursuit?

Manchester City have reportedly been given a boost in their quest to sign Real Madrid defender Pepe.

Despite signing Eliaquim Mangala for around £32m last summer, the Daily Star claims that Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini is unhappy with his current defensive options.

However, they could move for Pepe after the Brazilian indicated that he is willing to leave Los Blancos in the summer.

Real are believed to be willing to part with the player this summer rather than lose the centre-back for nothing a year later.

It is thought that 31-year-old was ready to leave the Spanish capital before the start of the season, but any deal was halted when French youngster Raphael Varane picked up an injury.