Manchester United may be able to acquire
Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao at a
discounted price, according to new reports.
The Daily Mirror reported Saturday that
Coentrao’s agent Jorge Mendes was in talks
with United boss David Moyes about a
possible transfer for £12 million, or about
€14.45 million.
The Portuguese left-back almost moved to
Old Trafford on the transfer deadline day in
September, but the move fell through, and
rumours suggest he is keen to leave in the
winter window.
He has also been linked with Tottenham
Hotspur, though United are more likely
suitors as Moyes’s pursuit of Leighton Baines
continues to stutter.
The Mirror further reported that Madrid
manager Carlo Ancelotti gave Coentrao
permission to leave in order to seek more
first-team action ahead of the 2014 World
Cup. Coentrao has made only five
appearances for Los Blancos in all
competitions in the 2013-14 season.
He plays an important role in Portugal’s
squad and helped them secure a place in
Brazil along with fellow Madrid stars Cristiano
Ronaldo and Pepe.
Some believed Coentrao would stay at the
Bernabeu after signing a contract extension
through 2018 in November, but Spanish
outlet AS reported on Dec. 30 that Madrid
officials extended his contract in order to
receive a greater transfer fee.
The 25-year-old defender has struggled for a
consistent starting spot since arriving at
Madrid from Benfica in 2011. Brazilian
fullback Marcelo won the favour of former
manager Jose Mourinho and has continued to
remain first choice under Ancelotti.