Manchester United Transfer News: Real's Pepe a Risk Red Devils Should Avoid

Louis van Gaal's search for a more elite class of defender has led the Manchester United manager to Real Madrid's Pepe, with a January move in sight.

Anthony Chapman of the Express writes that United will seek to sign the Portuguese international this winter after experiencing a glut of defensive injuries during the first half of the 2014-15 season:

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The former Porto star has been targeted as a possible partner for City captain Vincent Kompany by Manuel Pellegrini, but it is understood that United boss Louis Van Gaal is also weighing up a move for Pepe's services.

The Red Devils are struggling with injuries in defence, and the Portugal international could be the man to solve Van Gaal's back-line woes.

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What United need now more than ever at the back is instant and guaranteed impact. The club already has its share of prospects, but the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have left a gap in wisdom, especially at the club's core.

It makes for a difficult situation as far as transfer prospects are concerned. The drop through the Premier League ranks has been in small part down to the absence of any true class at centre-back, but world-class targets are currently difficult to attract.

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In that vein of thinking, Pepe wouldn't present the class needed to complement the likes of Jonny Evans or Phil Jones.

Per Transfermarkt, Pepe is coming upon his 100th club career yellow card, and as speed deteriorates over the next few years of his career, that figure may now rise more steadily than ever.

The veteran has carved out a reputation for foul play during his seven years in Spain. But he has also had more than his share of brighter moments at the Bernabeu, winning two La Liga titles, last term's Champions League crown and more. 

Pepe has had the benefit of boasting a stellar cast of team-mates, however, something he wouldn't be able to lean on at Old Trafford. This season, Pepe has won just eight of his 22 attempted tackles in La Liga, per Squawka.

Were the Portuguese to join the Red Devils, he'd be seen as the leader in the back line, and any mistakes would be made to look that much more glaring without such talented players present to make up for them.

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Soon turning 32 years of age, Los Merengues' defender hasn't got a very long shelf life, either. United have already had discipline issues with Marcos Rojo and Tyler Blackett each seeing red this season, and the club need every available asset they can find.

Carlo Ancelotti may not be ready to let his centre-back leave in January, but even if Pepe were to be made available, it's a deal Van Gaal should ignore.