Manuel opens up Pepe talks

New Etihad boss Manuel Pellegrini has made the Bernabeu favourite, 30, his top defensive target this summer.

He wants a new centre-back as Kolo Toure moved to Liverpool earlier in the close season and Joleon Lescott has just one year left on his contract.

But the Spanish giants are looking for around £20million.

Pellegrini rates Pepe as one of the best defenders in La Liga, despite his reputation as a hothead.

Meanwhile, Seville president Jose Maria del Nido has confirmed they could be willing to sell £21m-rated Spain striker Alvaro Negredo, 27, after City showed an interest.

He said: “There are two clubs in England who are interested in him and his departure could happen.”