Madrid move for Coentrao

Real Madrid have struck a deal which will see them land Portugal international full-back Fabio Coentrao.

Portuguese full-back is Bernabeu-bound

Real Madrid have struck a deal which will see them land Portugal international full-back Fabio Coentrao. The Spanish giants have agreed to pay Benfica €30million (£27m), the Portuguese club have confirmed. The completion of the transfer is subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms. Coentrao was under contract at Benfica until 2016, forcing Real to dig deep in pursuit of his signature. He is considered to be one of Europe's most promising left-backs, with his ability to get forward as well as defend marking him out as a useful addition to any side.

Shone

The 23-year-old shone at the 2010 World Cup and has been a stand-out performer for Benfica since becoming a first-team regular in 2009. A statement released by Benfica read: "Benfica announces that it has reached an initial agreement with Real Madrid for the permanent transfer of the player Fabio Coentrao for the value of 30million euros. "We also announce that the transfer will be formalised once the player completes the medical tests which he will undertake, with the consent of Benfica, and agreement of the contract between the player and Real Madrid." The deal could also see Real's Argentinian central defender Ezequiel Garay move to Portugal in part exchange.