Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Pepe and James Rodriguez Rumours

Real Madrid star Pepe has spoken of his desire to retire at the club amid rumours Manchester United could be pursuing him, while James Rodriguez could reportedly be set to join the Red Devils.

According to Marca (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News), United manager Jose Mourinho could attempt to "reinforce his defence with the addition" of the Portugal international.

However, Marca further reported that Pepe and Mourinho "famously fell out" during the latter's tenure as Los Blancos boss, and there is clearly no love lost between them. Per football writer Dave O'Connell, he offered the following comparison between the Special One and current Real boss Zinedine Zidane:

"

Pepe: "Zidane & Mourinho are opposites. One is a good guy, the other one is the bad guy. Zidane was a player & he knows what players need."

— Dave O’Connell (@DaveOCKOP) September 13, 2016"

He also reiterated his desire to stay put, per Marca: "I have a contract and will wait until the last nanosecond for the club. There is time, a year in fact, but yes, I'd like to retire here and have told my agent that."

As noted by Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe, the 33-year-old has enjoyed some exceptional form for club and country in 2016:

An experienced and able defender, he could still be a useful acquisition for United despite his age.

However, even if Mourinho is able to mend his relationship with the centre-back, it's clear Pepe has set his sights on remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where he has played for almost a decade.

As for Rodriguez, he may yet find himself shown the exit door even though Real will not be able to register any new players next year.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Per Luckhurst, his agent Jorge Mendes—who also represents Red Devils goalkeeper David De Gea and Mourinho—"is continuing to push for" the 25-year-old to join United.

The Colombian has played just 82 minutes across three appearances for Real this season despite injuries to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Per WhoScored.com, Rodriguez is immensely creative and a goal threat from distance to boot:

He would make an excellent long-term replacement for Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford, and a move to United could reinvigorate his career.

Rodriguez looks set for another difficult year in the Spanish capital—it would not be a surprise if Real allowed him to leave despite their transfer ban given the wealth of creative attacking players at their disposal.