Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has revealed the club’s summer spending spree is not over amid increasing speculation linking the Premier League runners-up with a move for Real Madrid centre-back Pepe, according to Sky Sports.
“The club has spent money on important players, like Stevan and Negredo,” said Pellegrini.
“But we must remind you that last year there was Balotelli and Tevez, so we had to replace two very good players with another two very good players.
“So, we have the month of July and some days of August to finish the squad completely. It’s not absolutely complete, but it’s very near to being complete.”
City, who have already successfully recruited the likes of Alvaro Negredo, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas and Stevan Jovetic to the Etihad Stadium this summer, are reportedly contemplating a £20 million bid for Pepe.
The Portugal international, 30, could be allowed to leave the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu following the emergence, and maturation, of Raphaël Varane.
The arrival of Pepe could halt the progress of highly-rated Serbia international defender Matija Nastasić, who enjoyed a sensational debut season at City last term.
However, Pepe is extremely versatile and can also play in defensive midfield, providing cover in front of centre-back duo Matija Nastasić and Vincent Kompany, if need be.
When asked about the club’s interest in Pepe, Pellegrini added: “I don’t speak about rumours. I think today we have the players we need here.
“I just said that we will see what happens in this month and during August.
“I’m not talking about specific names because it’s not better for us, so I don’t talk about Pepe or any other names.”
Pepe, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2015, bagged two goals and two assists in 42 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid last season.
Sakho has decided future plans
Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho has revealed he has decided his long-term future, but will wait to publicly announce his future plans, ESPN understands. Oh the drama.
Sakho, 23, is reportedly attracting interest from a number of European clubs, including French moneybags AS Monaco and Liverpool.
The France international, who has just one year remaining on his current deal, could potentially be the fourth-choice centre-back for new manager Laurent Blanc following the summer arrival of Marquinhos from Brasileirão side Corinthians.
Note, during the latter stages of last season, Alex and Thiago Silva were the preferred centre-back duo for then-manager Carlo Ancelotti.
After sitting down with Blanc and club president Nasser Al Khelaifi, Sakho has made his decision on whether or not to put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension at the Parc des Princes.
“Now that I’ve spoken with them, everything is clear in my mind. I’ll announce my decision in the near future,” said Sakho.
“When you’re an ambitious player, you dream all the time of wearing the colours of your country. This summer, I’ve made a clear choice, taking into account the French national team.”
Sakho scored two goals in 27 league appearances, while completing nearly 92 percent of his total passes, for the French champions last term.
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