Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Lucas Silva

Real Madrid won't sell Pepe or Sergio Ramos during this transfer window. Manager Carlo Ancelotti still considers the veteran centre-back pairing vital to his squad, even if it comes at the expense of giving young star Raphael Varane more games.

Meanwhile, Madrid's latest acquisition, per Marca, midfielder Lucas Silva, has received a glowing endorsement from his former manager, who believes he'll be a star in the Spanish capital.

But enough with the new for the moment, it's not quite out with the old just yet. At least not according to Pepe's agent, Jorge Mendes.

He's quickly moved to deny the burly Portuguese defender will leave Los Blancos anytime soon, per Spanish outlet La Sexta (h/t Richard Arrowsmith of the Mail): "[Pepe] is staying at Real Madrid. Last season the president could have sold him and he didn't."

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Mendes' words followed Ancelotti's assurance that negotiations over a new contract won't undermine Sergio Ramos' performances, per Marca reporter Ruben Jimenez. He maintains Ancelotti is determined to keep Ramos in Madrid beyond 2017. The Italian coach even dubbed Ramos a player who is "essential" to Los Merengues.

These developments will serve as a blow to any interested parties who might've thought Madrid are finally ready to clear the way for Varane.

Based on a Marca report, Metro's Hannah Duncan has previously credited Manchester United with interest in Pepe, while Arsenal were thought to be contemplating a bid for Ramos, along with United and Chelsea, per Manuel Esteban of AS (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson) and the London Evening Standard, respectively.

However, Ancelotti has always remained consistent that the experienced duo remain the preferred choices at the heart of his defence. Earlier this month, Marca writers Jose Felix Diaz and Jose Luis Calderon reported Ancelotti still views Pepe "a long way above" Varane.

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It's those type of claims that fuel speculation 21-year-old Varane will seek more playing time elsewhere. Chelsea, home of ex-Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, is often mooted as a likely destination, according to Anthony Chapman of the Express.

Whatever eventually happens with Varane, for now at least he'll have to continue biding his time behind Pepe and Ramos.

One player who might not have to bide his time for long is new arrival Lucas Silva. The Brazilian defensive midfielder has been heralded as a "real diamond" by former boss Marcelo Oliveira.

He believes the one-time Cruzeiro midfield general will quickly make the grade and push for a starting place with the 10-time European Cup winners, per Spanish publication AS (h/t FourFourTwo):

"

He is a technical player with good vision, he can make precise 30-40-metre passes and has a strong shot.

He will push those already in his position.

He will need to adapt now to a new formation but I am sure he will develop alongside the quality at Real Madrid.

"

Oliveira's words could be prescient with doubts over the long-term futures of Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira. Ancelotti is currently fending off Premier League interest in Illarramendi, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all keen, per Daily Star reporter Marc Williams.

Meanwhile, injury-prone Khedira is out of contract this summer. Los Blancos certainly need Silva to hit the ground running.

The creative 21-year-old plays with the technical grace and artistry that has become the hallmark of Madrid under Ancelotti. Marca writer Enrique Ortego believes Silva is considered an immediate replacement for Illarramendi and Khedira as a natural holding midfielder.

What does seem obvious is that after adding Silva, Ancelotti is content with his current squad. He's determined to keep core members of the group, such as Ramos and Pepe, together.