Real Madrid have already lined-up a replacement for Pepe as they look to bring in Porto star Felipe Monteiro in the summer

Pepe signed for the Spanish club in 2007 after he joined from Porto and has established himself as one of the key players for the Spanish side

REAL MADRID are looking to bring in Porto star Felipe Monteiro in the summer to replace cult hero Pepe.

The 34-year-old is reportedly on his way out of the Los Blancos after failing to agree a new contract, and could depart for the Chinese Super League.

Felipe Monteiro is being lined-up to replace Pepe at Real Madrid with the centre-back rumoured to be leaving for China

Zinedine Zidane has been quick to identify that Monteiro is the man he wishes to recruit when the transfer window opens.

Spanish newspaper AS have reported that Madrid have been in touch with the player’s representative, Giuliano Bertolucci, and they even have reached a verbal agreement for the centre-back to join.

Porto will be reluctant to let their star man leave though, as they only signed him from Brazilian side Corinthians last year.

The 27-year-old’s current deal with the Portuguese giants doesn’t run out until 2021, and has a reported release clause of £43million.

However as Porto are in an estimated £87million of debt, an offer off around £25million should be enough to lure the talented defender to the current La Liga leaders.

His impressive performances this season playing in the Primeira Liga have earned him a first-ever call-up to the Brazil national squad as they prepare to face Paraguay in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.