Portugal international Pepe is nearing the end of his contract with Real Madrid and, according to the latest reports coming from the Spanish news outlet Marca, the 33-year-old centre-back could be in line for a lucrative move to China.

Marca are claiming that Pepe is “a foot and a half in China” already, stating that his agent Jorge Mendes has opened negotiations with Chinese Super League clubs.

The Portugal 2016 European Championship winner is reportedly keen to extend his stay with Los Blancos for two more seasons, but Real Madrid are not willing to go beyond a one-year offer for the veteran defender.

One of the clubs being mentioned as Pepe’s potential next destination is Hebei Fortune a club managed by former Manchester City and Real Madrid tactician Manuel Pellegrini.

Pepe has reportedly received an offer worth €10 million a season which is a significant improvement to his current €4.5 million deal with Real Madrid.

Chinese Super League is making huge efforts to lure world-famous footballers over the last two transfer windows in particular as Chinese president Xi Jinping proceeds with his vision to transform China into a proper football force and a desirable destination for world’s best football professionals.

Adding Pepe would most definitely improve the league’s profile, after the likes of Jackson Martinez, Aleix Teixeira, Gervinho, Graziano Pelle, Hulk and most recently former Chelsea midfielder Oscar.

The 33-year-old Brazilian-born Portugal international Pepe has been with Real Madrid since 2007-08.

The experienced defender, notorious for his hard-fought style of play, has made only eight appearances in the first part of the La Liga season.

Real Madrid return to action on 4 January 2017 when they will be taking on Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 matchup at Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos are given the betting odds of 1.85 (17/20) @SportingBet to claim a HT/FT victory over Jorge Sampaoli’s men.