Coentrao gives thumbs up to Sporting Clube switch
According to reports in Portugal, Sporting coach Jorge Jesús is keen to bring in the left-back, and the player is open to the idea.
Fábio Coentrão has told his close circle that he is willing to sign for Sporting Clube de Portugal, according to Portuguese daily A Bola. Sporting coach Jorge Jesús is aware of the Real Madrid left-back's situation - Coentrão has made just six appearances this season. It's been a nightmare season for the 29-year-old whose campaign has been marred by injury problems and mysterious disappearances.
Coentrao to quit Real Madrid at the end of the season
With the arrival of Theo Hernández, Coentrão's options of seeing any first action will dwindle significantly even though he still has a year to run on his contract. Both the player and the club are looking for a solution. The Sporting Clube proposal is appealing because it means he will be able to return home - he was on the books at Benfica before he joined Madrid in 2011 and also, he will be back under the orders of Jorge Jesús, the coach who drew the best out of him during his spell in Lisbon.
Benfica link, the only hitch
The only snag could be his Benfica past might not please fans who might not want to see a player from the eternal rivals pulling on the green and white jersey. Last week, Coentrão popped over to Portugal to watch his old club score a 0-1 away win at Río Ave. But according to A Bola, that's not a big issue for Coentrão, who would be happy just to be back in Lisbon again.
