Real Madrid consider shock move for Manchester City defender

Real Madrid are weighing up a surprise move for Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi as they look to find a replacement for Pepe, reports AS.

Pepe, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and looks increasingly likely that this year will be his last with the reigning European champions.

Zinedine Zidane’s side will have to find a replacement should the Portugal international leave the club and have reportedly turned their attentions to former Valencia defender Otamendi.

The 29-year-old established himself as one of best centre-backs in La Liga during his 12-month stint with Valencia before securing a £32m move to City in August 2015.

However, the Argentina international has endured a turbulent time in the Premier League since arriving and doesn’t appear to be a player that Pep Guardiola would ideally like to have at the heart of his defence, which should given him the greenlight to return to Spain this summer.

In the last two Premier League campaigns Otamendi has completed more interceptions than any other City player (162).

For more stats on Nicolas Otamendi, click here to visit his WhoScored player page