AVB To Bolster Defensive Options With Fresh Offer For Summer Target

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a return bid for Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao in the January transfer window after missing out on landing him in the summer.

Spurs were believed to be in talks with Coentrao as part of a cash plus player deal for Gareth Bale. The deal appeared close to being completed in the twilight of the transfer window but ultimately fell through, though the Portugal international was believed to want a move to White Hart Lane.

And as he continues to struggle for game time at Real Madrid, the Daily Mail are reporting that Tottenham will take advantage of his continued dissatisfaction and push for a move once more.

With Andre Villas-Boas having to move Jan Vertonghen into the left-back position to make up for injuries in Spurs' backline he would certainly welcome another defender into the fold and has made his admiration of Coentrao clear in the past.

And the side are reportedly considering taking the 25 year old on a loan deal if they can't get him permanently in the hope othey can prevent a collapse in the second half of the season.

Coentrao admitted in the summer that he felt unwanted at Madrid, telling reporters in Portugal: "From the first day I do not think I was wanted here.

"Today it seems that everyone wants me to leave the club. I do not know what I have done wrong."

He then reportedly cried after a deal to Manchester United fell through at the last minute on deadline day and has since been consigned to the bench with the Spanish giants, featuring just four times for the club this season.

Joining up with Portuguese boss Villas-Boas would certainly be a favourable choice as he looks for game time ahead of the World Cup in 2014, should his country win their upcoming playoff against Sweden.