Moyes could be left kicking his heels over full-back pursuit.
Check in to Real Madrid vs Malaga CF
Manchester United manager David Moyes could be left to rue missing out on signing Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao as a number of top European clubs are now believed to be interested in his signature, the Daily Star reports.
An 11th hour loan deal to bring the player to Old Trafford fell through on transfer deadline day and the Portuguese international ended up staying at the Santiago Bernabeu.
United have been linked with making another move for the 25-year-old when the transfer window reopens again in January, though they now face somer serious competition for his signature as Italian champions Juventus and French big spenders Monaco are both keen on bringing him on board and are likely to rival Moyes’ men for his services.
Sources in Spain believe that the pair are preparing moves in the new year, so Moyes will need to act fast if he hopes to land his signature.
Coentrao had been thought to be the manager’s second choice, having earlier missed out on a deal to sign Everton left-back Leighton Baines, but Moyes remains keen as he believes that he needs to strengthen his squad with at least three world class players.
Coentrao joined Madrid from Benfica for £25m in 2011 and has played just three times for Real this season.