Real Madrid wing-back Fabio Coentrao has been attracting interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham this summer.
However, the latter are reportedly the favourites to procure his signature. The 25-year old’s asking price is around £25M and his deal with Madrid runs until 2017.
Last season, Coentrao made only 16 La Liga appearances as suspension and injuries saw him miss a host of games during the season.
With eyes on the 2014 World Cup, he knows playing regular first-team football is the only way he can guarantee himself a place in the final squad for the Portugal national team.
Making 36 appearances for his country already, Coentrao wants to add to his tally and has dreams of making next summer’s major international tournament for the second time in his career.
Brazilian international Marcelo was the more preferred choice in the left-back position for the Champions League semi-finalists, and Coentrao is said to be considering his future with the Spanish giants.
Fabio Coentrao has been linked with Tottenham as a potential make-weight to sign the London side’s forward Gareth Bale. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has recently stated he has no plans for the club to bankroll an £85M transfer to sign the coveted player – but Coentrao could lower the asking price should he be included in the deal.
There has been no official approach for Real Madrid’s wing-back, but Chelsea and Tottenham are both said to be preparing bids in the coming week.
Madrid have said they will entertain offers ‘for the right price’ and manager Carlo Ancelotti did admit the 25-year old couldn’t be promised regular first team football for the 2013/14 campaign.
It would throw a spanner in the works if Tottenham were to make a bid for Coentrao separately – as Real Madird will not match Bale’s £85M price tag outright. Negotiations are ongoing and could continue until the deadline day.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
