Pepe is gone, but Besiktas could turn to another Portuguese to replace him

The 35-year old Portugal international left the club earlier this month after rescinding his contract with the Turkish giants, but now Besiktas may turn to a compatriot to take over his position. 

Pepe had been a key player for the Turkish outfit, a regular in the team while also chipping in with a surprising number of goals this season to go with his defensive responsibilities.

However, as a result of financial difficulties at the club, Pepe was asked to move on, agreeing to the termination of his contract ahead of the January transfer window, helping pay some of the Besiktas staff members before he left. 

And Besiktas may now be looking to recruit another Portuguese to take his place, with AS reporting that Ruben Semedo is the source of great interest at the Turkish club.

The 24-year old centreback is currently plying his trade for Huesca in the Spanish top flight, on loan from Villarreal, and has played 12 times for his side so far this season, who sit last-place in the league on just 8 points. His parent club Villarreal, meanwhile, are also in the relegation zone.

Semedo, having played for the Portugal U21s 11 times in his career, was widely considered as one of Portugal's main prospects to take over the reigns of the likes of Pepe and Bruno Alves in the future. 

However, after a string if high profile controversies, including being arrested for possession of a gun and attempted murder on two separate occasions, his reputation in his home country has plummeted.

Were he to join Besiktas, he would link up with fellow Portuguese player Ricardo Quaresma.