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Pepe will leave Real Madrid in the summer to join Hebei China Fortune
Express Sport understands Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was ready to hand the Portugal international a contract in an attempt to bring him to Old Trafford.
Pepe wanted to sign a two-year contract extension at Real Madrid, but they were only willing to offer him a one-year deal due to club policy.
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Jose Mourinho was hoping to bring Pepe to Manchester United in the summer
United were willing to capitalise on this by offering him the chance to play in the Premier League for the first time in his career.
But Spanish outlet Cadena Cope claim the 33-year-old has opted to end his 10-year spell with Real by choosing to sign for Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune when his contract expires in the summer.
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Manuel Pellegrini is the manager of Hebei China Fortune
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It is claimed the Euro 2016 winner will earn £12.8million at the Chinese club – almost tripling his current salary.
Hebei China Fortune are coached by former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who already has the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gervinho at the club.
Pepe's move to China could have its drawbacks though as he would likely rule himself out of selection for Portugal should they qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
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