MANCHESTER UNITED and Juventus are doing battle to sign Real Madrid defender Pepe - who has been pushing Los Blancos for a new two-year deal.
The 33-year-old is hardly a spring chicken, but with Juventus making themselves a fine and successful home home for experienced older players and United in constant need of defensive cover, he could be on his way.
According to AS, Pepe's contract expires at the end of the season, but Real are reluctant to offer him the two-year security he wants.
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The European champ for club and country could take his expertise to the Premier League.
United have had defensive injuries of their own this term - and could use an older head to bring some experience to their defending.
Eric Bailly is their star young defender, but at 11 years younger than Pepe, he could learn from the elder statesman.
United and City have been linked with moves for Roma's star centre-back Antonio Rudiger, with the Germany international impressing at the Olympic Stadium, but just continuing his recovery from injury.
Pepe won the Champions League and the European Championship title for club and country in the summer - but is well known for his play-acting during big fixtures, which has earned him an unsavoury reputation.
He was injured after 24 minutes of Real Madrid's 4-1 win at Alaves and faces a scan today.
Pepe worked with Jose Mourinho at Real between 2010 and 2013 when the Portuguese was the manager, clinching a single La Liga title.
Meanwhile Juve have made themselves a pre-retirement home for some stellar players in recent years. The likes of Patrice Evra and Dani Alves are seeing success in Turin, while playmaking wizard Andrea Pirlo won four Serie A titles in four years at the club.