Tottenham Hope to Land Portuguese Defender as Part of Bale Deal – Report

Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas has informed chairman Daniel Levy that he would like to sign Fabio Coentrao as part of any deal that sees Gareth Bale make a big money move to Real Madrid.

Levy has been locked in talks with Madrid for a number of weeks as the Spanish giants attempt to finally conclude a deal for Bale that could see Tottenham secure a record breaking fee in excess of £85m.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that talks are currently on-going as they look to tie up a deal for Bale which could well see Coentrao move in the opposite direction.

The Portuguese left-back has struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team since his €30m move from Benfica in the summer of 2011, with a mix of problems off the field, poor performances and excellent displays from Marcelo preventing him from becoming first choice.

Spanish publication Marca report that Tottenham boss Villas-Boas is a known admirer of Coentrao having first attempted to sign him when he was appointed manager of Chelsea just over two years ago.

Spurs did have problems at left-back last season with Benoit Assou-Ekotto suffering from a number of injuries and then failing out of favour with Villas-Boas.

Kyle Naughton and Jan Vertonghen were both used at on the left hand side of defence but it is not their natural position and it is believed that Villas-Boas has been on the lookout this summer for an alternative option.

Coentrao was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this summer, with reports suggesting the 25 year old was keen to leave the club after refusing to train with the Madrid firs team.

However, with Tottenham already in talks with Madrid, it would seem that they are now in pole position as they hold plenty of power in negotiations when it comes to selling Bale.