Rumour: AC Milan join race for Real Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao

Fabio Coentrao

Fabio Coentrao is the most in demand defender in Europe this January. AC Milan have joined Manchester United in a three way battle for the services of the Real Madrid left back.

It is well known that Coentrao is a long time target of United. Moyes thought he had his man on the final day of the last transfer window, only for the deal to collapse in farcical fashion. Having completed the signing of Juan Mata, the Manchester United manager has made a left back his next priority. Leighton Baines has signed a new deal at Everton and Southampton have issued a stern hands off warning over young prospect Luke Shaw. That has left Moyes targeting Coentrao and Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno.

Moyes could have left his move for Coentrao too late. Clarence Seedorf, the new Milan manager, has taken over a squad pitifully short of confidence and ability. He too has made Coentrao his number one target. Contact has already been made with Carlo Ancelotti.

That brings us to the third suitor: Real Madrid themselves. Coentrao is more than unsettled at the Bernabeu. He has made just four La Liga starts this season, and has become a target for the terrace’s wrath. He is desperate to leave for either Milan or Manchester but Ancelotti is adamant that he won’t be selling any players in this transfer window.

It may go down to the wire, again, but this time Coentrao should force through his transfer. What kit will he be wearing next week: red and black, or red and white?