Pepe and Coentrao set for pay rise

Spanish daily AS understands that Real Madrid are set to reward Portuguese defenders Pepe and Fabio Coentrao with new and improved deals.

Jorge Mendes, who represents both players, is reportedly in talks with los Blancos officials over the new contracts for his clients.

Real Madrid president is believed to have been impressed by Pepe of late and he has instructed that the veteran defender is offered a pay rise that will make him one of the highest paid players at Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, club’s decision to also improve the contract of Fabio Coentrao comes as a big surprise after the player narrowly missed out on the summer exit.

And even if neither Pepe nor Coentrao are usually considered first team regulars, they both have important roles to play and appear set to pledge their future to los Merengues.

Real Madrid still sit six points behind arch rivals Barcelona in the league standings, and are priced at 7/2 to win the La Liga trophy this term.