Fabio Coentrao
Fabio Coentrao [Reuters] Reuters

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the loan signing of Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao until the end of the season, according to the Telegraph.

The Portuguese defender was linked with a season-long loan move to Old Trafford in the summer, but the deal collapsed in the final hours of the window.

The 25-year-old was out of action from November due to injury and returned to full training earlier this month. Coentrao has started only two league games this season.

The report claims that David Moyes is hoping to sign Coentrao on loan for the rest of the season as the Scot looks to strengthen United's squad in the January transfer window. The player's agent Jorge Mendes has informed the Premier League champions that the Portuguese international is keen on joining the Old Trafford club.

United's poor recent run has forced Moyes to enter the transfer window. The Telegraph claims that Coentrao is the top transfer target for the former Everton manager in the ongoing transfer window.

However, any move from United will not be an easy task. Real have ruled out a January move for Coentrao after the nine-time European champions', manager Carlo Ancelotti stating, "No players are leaving and we're not going to sign anyone. The window is closed for us."

United have the services of Patrice Evra, Alexander Buttner and Fabio da Silva at left-back. However, the latter two have had little playing time and have failed to impress Moyes.

In addition to this, Evra is in his final six months of the contract at Old Trafford and earlier revealed that he would not sign an extension, citing personal reasons for wanting to leave the English champions.

Coentrao has not featured in the Champions League for Real this season so the Portuguese defender could also feature in the European competition, should he switch to Old Trafford.