Real Madrid offer Fabio Coentrao to Chelsea

Real Madrid have offered Fabio Coentrao to Chelsea on a permanent basis, according to reports around Stamford Bridge.

Coentrao has failed to make an impact at Real since his move from Benfica 18 months ago, with Marcelo dominating the left-back position.

The 24 year-old had been rumoured to be considering his options, and his arrival late to training on New Years Day is thought to have been the nail is his Real coffin.

Chelsea had tried to sign the attacking full-back before he chose Madrid as his preferred destination, and are expected to bid for the talented star.

Chelsea are expected to haggle with Real over the price, with the Castilla club likely to want to recover as much of his £27million fee, and a £14million bid is expected from Chelsea to open proceedings.

Manchester City are also expected to bid for the player, with Mancini reportedly unhappy with Gael Clichy’s inconsistencies this season. If they do bid the fee will probably rise to around £20million.

Chelsea are firmly expected to lose Ashley Cole at the season, with his current deal set to expire. That loss will leave the Blues with Ryan Bertrand, who recently signed a new five-year deal, as their only recognised senior left-back.

I believe Coentrao to be a quality player, and believe at 24, he and Bertrand could fight it out for years to come. The Portuguese star would make an immediate impact, but Ryan has been progressing steadily and I believe he will fight for his place for seasons to come.