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Transfer news: Manchester United remain in talks to sign Fabio Coentrao - reports

David Moyes is keen to bolster competition in the left-back position

Sunday 12 January 2014 18:31 GMT

Fabio Coentrao has started only four games since United tried to sign him last summer (Getty Images)

Manchester United reportedly remain in contention to sign Fabio Coentrao during the current transfer window.

David Moyes came close to securing the Real Madrid left-back on transfer deadline day during the summer, but was thwarted at the last moment.

Reports claim he remains keen on bringing the Portugal international into Old Trafford and is in talks with Real Madrid to do so.

The 25-year-old, who has seen his chances at the Bernabeu limited this season, is understood to be keen on a move.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, has close ties with Manchester United which can only help in any deal - quite possibly a loan - going through.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Dante

Bayern Munich defender Dante would be interested in a move to the Premier League according to his agent - and United have been monitoring him. His current club could yet convince the defender to stay however.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Alberto Herrera

United tried to sign the Athletic Bilbao midfielder in the summer but his botched signing rather summed up their ineffective dealings in the transfer market. With a £30m release clause, he remains an available, if perhaps slightly pricey, option in January.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Mario Mandzukic

An old-fashioned target man, Mandzukic has been linked with a move to United recently after Bayern signed Robert Lewandowski. However, Lewandowski won't arrive until the summer - meaning United might have to wait.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Will Hughes

Will Hughes has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United boss David Moyes after a series of superb performances have catapulted Derby County into the upper reaches of the Championship.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

Guarin

There is no doubt that midfield is the area most in need of reinforcements for David Moyes and another man linked with an Old Trafford switch is Colombian international Guarin. Valued at around £15m, the Inter Milan man's versatility would undeniably improve things for the Red Devils.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Bilal Basacikoglu

Bilal who, you might ask, but the young Turkish winger is an emerging star at Dutch side Heerenveen and a player to catch the eye of David Moyes. Aged just 18, he may be a player more for the future than to immediately turn United's fortunes around.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

Steven Defour

For many years the Belgian was linked with a move to Old Trafford and having been a target of Moyes' at Everton, the midfielder could very well be the man brought in to improve things for United. Played for Porto recently against Atletico Madrid in a match watched by Moyes - did he catch the Scotsman's eye?

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Koke

Reportedly one of United's main January targets, although the Atletico Madrid man is said to be very happy in the Spanish capital, particularly given his team's success this season. Might take some persuading to join Moyes' stuttering side.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Ilkay Gundogan

Undeterred by the modest success of their last Dortmund purchase, United could also be after midfielder Gundogan. Wouldn't be cheap but certainly an improvement on their current crop of players. Dortmund are understood to be keen to tie him to a new contract.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Sami Khedira

Another strongly linked with a Manchester move, the German international's recent serious knee injury makes a January switch unlikely but he could be brought in from Real Madrid further down the line.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Ross Barkley

Manchester United bought the last exciting teenage prospect to come through Everton's ranks so understandably they have been linked with the precocious Barkley. Knows Moyes from his Everton days, but will he join the Scot in making the switch from Blue to Red? Everton have already stated they will not sell in January.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Fabio Coentrao

After nearly signing on deadline day last summer, there's every chance that Moyes could return for Real Madrid's second choice left-back should he fail to lure another top name. Not really the priority though considering the good form of Patrice Evra.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Eliaquim Mangala

United could do with strengthening at the back and French defender Mangala is reportedly another to have caught Moyes' eye. However with Porto wanting all of his £40m release clause, he seems a rather pricey option.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Diego Costa

Rooney and Van Persie have spent too much time this season on the treatment table - so more options in attack would be helpful. Who better then than a failed target of eternal rivals Liverpool and a man whose goals have fired Atletico Madrid to the top of La Liga? Highly unlikely Costa would wish to leave in January - and even less likely Atletico would let him.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Blaise Matuidi

Another midfielder strongly linked with an Old Trafford switch, the PSG man could be available for as little as £7m which would represent great value for money. Not the sort of signing to instil renewed confidence at Old Trafford - but perhaps one of the more likely arrivals.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Andrea Ranocchia

Another man being mooted as a defensive recruit for Moyes, the towering Italian has fallen out of favour at the San Siro and would surely jump at a move to Manchester United.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

Everton Ribeiro

The 24-year-old Cruzeiro man believes he could be the solution to United's midfield woes after being linked with a move there saying: 'I would fit in any part of the midfield. I would do well as a playmaker to support the attack.' It remains to be seen whether he'll get the chance to prove it with a January move.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

Miralem Pjanic

The Bosnian midfielder has excelled at Roma this season and would certainly be a good signing for United. Previously linked with moves to Arsenal and Spurs, a move to Manchester would mean no Pjanic on the streets of London. Roma have confirmed they have received offers for the Pjanic.

<b>Miralem Pjanic</b> The Bosnian midfielder has excelled at Roma this season and would certainly be a good signing for United. Previously linked with moves to Arsenal and Spurs, a move to Manchester would mean no Pjanic on the streets of London.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

Kevin Strootman

Another Roma star thought to be wanted by United, the Dutch midfielder is however highly valued by Roma chief Rudi Garcia which may prove an obstacle to any move.

Manchester United - January transfer targets

Toni Kroos

The Bayern Munich midfielder is stalling on a new contract, raising hope he could be prised away. However, he's been integral to the multi-trophy winning side and it seems highly unlikely the German champions will let him go.

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Manchester United - January transfer targets

Alex Teixeira

If their pursuit of Strootman falls through, another man reportedly being lined up is Shakhtar midfielder Teixeira. The 23-year-old impressed against United in his side's recent visit to Old Trafford.

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