PSG Transfer News: Pepe Reportedly Set to Sign 2-Year Contract from Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly set to sign Real Madrid defender Pepe on a two-year contract. 

According to Juan Ignacio Gallardo of Marca, the 34-year-old was poised to join Inter Milan, but he has now been tempted by interest from the Ligue 1 giants.

Chinese Super League side Hebei Fortune were also said to be keen to sign the veteran, as well as some Premier League outfits.

Pepe's contract with the Spanish club is up at the end of the season, and with no extension in sight, he looks likely to depart after 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

During his time in the iconic all-white jersey, Pepe has cemented his status as a Real legend, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Sergio Ramos and helping the team win three UEFA Champions League titles in the last four seasons.

Despite building a reputation as a nasty and ultra-aggressive defender at times, these statistics from OptaJean would suggest he's still careful in his work:

Indeed, whichever club signs Pepe will be getting an excellent footballer first and foremost.

Although the Portugal international may not possess the dynamism he had during his younger days, he's an astute reader of the game, strong in one-on-one duels and underrated in his distribution, too. 

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Pepe may not have worn the Madrid or Portugal captain's armband often, but he's been a leader for club and country. At the base of the team he is always vocal, while the centre-back is always seeking to get on the front foot and relieve pressure.

Even so, as noted by Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett, there have been some small signs that Pepe has started to slow down this season after a stellar previous term:

The attributes Pepe possesses are the type of qualities PSG require. For all the talent and depth available to manager Unai Emery, there are still flaws in his squad—especially when it comes to their pursuit of the Champions League title. 

Those flaws were evident as they surrendered a 4-0 first-leg advantage to Barcelona in the first knockout round of this year's tournament, collapsing to a 6-1 second-leg loss.

That night PSG needed authority, tenacity and a bit of devilment to stem the momentum built up by Barcelona. Pepe, even in the twilight of his tremendous career, can provide that.