Manchester United transfer news: Fabio Coentrao could leave Real Madrid as link with Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria could pave United switch

Coentrao's agent Jorge Mendes also represents United stars Falcao and Di Maria

Real Madrid could be on the lookout for a new left-back after Carlo Ancelotti appears to have finally lost patience with Fabio Coentrao, with Manchester United believed to be keen on signing the Portuguese international.

Coentrao has made just three appearances this season as Brazilian defender Marcelo continues to hold down the left-back role, and it appears that the 26-year-old defender will be sacrificed ahead of Marcelo with Ancelotti eyeing a change at the back.

The Express claim that United manager Louis van Gaal is keen on signing the former Benfica player, given that Luke Shaw has struggled with injury and fitness since arriving at United in the summer. The suggestion is that Van Gaal wants an experienced defender to come in and aid there current defensive crisis, with a number of first team players currently injured.

It’s also believed that Van Gaal could look to utilise current United stars Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria to attempt to persuade Coentrao that his future lies at Old Trafford. The trio share an agent in so-called ‘super-agent’ Jorge Mendes, and a move could go through as early as January.

However, United do need to address problems at centre-back more than they do on the left. As well as signing Shaw earlier in the summer, Van Gaal also moved for Argentinian defender Marcus Rojo, although the World Cup star is capable of playing in a central role.

Phil Jones is closing on a return to fitness and will help alleviate the injury crisis Van Gaal has faced in recent weeks, as will the return of Tyler Blackett after his one-match suspension. Jonny Evans remains injured while Chris Smalling is a doubt for this weekend’s clash with Everton.