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Real Madrid's general director Jorge Valdano hopes that defender Pepe will stay in the team.
The Portuguese's contract with the club expires in the summer of 2012, and negotiations for its extension are stuck.
Nevertheless, Valdano remains optimistic: "Pepe has proven to be a great footballer. Negotiations are moving forward, so we hope to reach an agreement.
"Last season, similar questions arose regarding Gonzalo Higuain, but everything ended successfully. Pepe is an important player, so we are definitely trying."
The defender himself, who is reportedly being eyed by London's Arsenal, did not comment on the situation.
