---
title: "Manchester City switch targets after conceding transfer defeat"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-city-switch-targets-after-conceding-transfer-defeat/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Prescott"
section: "La Liga News"
published: "2014-06-08T19:00:19Z"
modified: "2014-06-08T19:00:19Z"
---

# Manchester City switch targets after conceding transfer defeat

[![Pepe](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Pepe-500x323.jpg)](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Pepe.jpg)Manchester City fans in the Football Transfer have been expecting to see numerous top-class players come through the Etihad Stadium doors this summer.

And they may soon get their wish with the [Daily Star](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/382713/EXCLUSIVE-Manchester-City-in-for-Real-Madrid-defender-Pepe-after-Mangala-snub) reporting that the Citizens are to launch a £25 million bid for Real Madrid defender Pepe.

Manuel Pellegrini has accepted defeat in his pursuit for  Porto’s £35 million-rated defender Eliaquim Mangala and sees Pepe as the next best thing.

The Chilean tactician is looking for a reliable partner for Vincent Kompany in the heart of defence as he looks to improve on their defensive versatility.

He had also been linked with a move for Roma defender Mehdi Benatia but the Italian club’s valuation of £50 million has been laughed off by both Manchester City and also Tottenham Hotspur who also enquired.

Pellegrini now has Pepe in his sights and will offer the Portuguese international a first team place – something Real Madrid may not be able to offer with Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos impressing as a partnership of late.

### **Manchester City fans. We all know you have a lot of money. But £25 million for a 31-year-old defender is too much, isn’t it? Let us know your thoughts below.**

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