Real Madrid defender Pepe looks set to leave the club in the summer and it seems as though Los Blancos are aware that the Portuguese international is likely to move on in the summer and have already earmarked his successor.
According to Manu Sainz from AS, Real Madrid have identified Porto defender Felipe Monteiro as the ideal man to fill the void that will likely be left by Pepe.
The report says that Real have already spoke to the player's agent and have a 'verbal agreement' for him to move to the Bernabeu and be part of next season's squad.
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The 27-year old only joined Porto last year but has impressed in his 32 appearances this term.
Porto have a knack of signing players for relatively cheaper fees and selling them for considerable profit and they may well be forced to cash in on Felipe this summer, as they have such financial difficulties at present and need to clear 100 million euros worth of debt.
Felipe would command a significant fee and so would help that in the department.
He is said to have a 50 million euros release clause, but the consensus is that an offer somewhere between 25 and 30 million euros would be enough to prise him away.
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AS say that sources told them Zinedine Zidane is a fan of Felipe and what he brings to the table. He has apparently approved the transfer and had scouts watching him on a regular basis this season.
It seems like Real have already wrapped up one of their summer signings before the window has opened.
(h/t AS)
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