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European giants identify replacement for Man United target: Bad news for Chelsea
REAL MADRID are reportedly planning for life without Manchester United target Pepe.
Leonardo Bonucci - 5 things you need to know
Pepe is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The centre-back has been at the club since 2007 but, at 34, is approaching the end of his career.
Express Sport understands Manchester United have already offered the Portugal international a contract ahead of a summer move.
And, according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Madrid are keen on Chelsea target Leonardo Bonucci as his replacement.
Manchester United offered Pepe a contract back in January
Leonardo Bonucci is wanted by Real Madrid
The Blues are known admirers of the Juventus star and tried to sign him in the summer.
Antonio Conte managed Bonucci during his time in charge of the Serie A giants and Italy and is reportedly keen to try and land his man again at the end of the season.
However, the defender is Madrid's No1 choice to fill the void left by Pepe's departure.
Antonio Conte wants to be reunited with Leonardo Bonucci at Chelsea
And that could damage Chelsea's hopes of securing his signature.
Managed Zinedine Zidane has already approved a deal and and Bonucci could soon be partnering Sergio Ramos at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But they would have to cough up a £42million for a defender in order land him, with the Juventus chiefs only willing to sell should their evaluation for the player be met.