Tottenham Hotspur chase Real Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao

When Fabio Coentrao left Benfica in 2011 to join Real Madrid, many people envisioned him taking a star turn at the Bernabeu. Instead, the Portuguese left back has been largely disappointing and as a result has fallen out of favor at the club. Madrid are under new management this season, but that doesn't seem to have changed Coentrao's situation and he could find himself heading out for around €15 million.

A number of clubs would like Coentrao, but, for the moment, it seems like newly-promoted French club AS Monaco (who have bought everyone ever this summer), Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are the leading candidates to sign the 25 year-old. Spurs face some uncertainty at left back due to the poor form of Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Naughton last season. Danny Rose could potentially force his way into the team, but even on his best day he's nowhere near as good as Coentrao.

The knock on Coentrao while at Madrid has been his commitment in training, but his performances in matches have not disappointed. He combined well with fellow Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo and his defensive discipline made him a fixture in Jose Mourinho's team when Los Blancos played an important game.

Coentrao would represent a huge upgrade over all of Tottenham's current left backs and at only €15 million he would be an excellent buy. With Kyle Walker on the right and Coentrao on the left Tottenham would have two fullbacks equally capable of getting forward and putting in a cross as they are shutting down the oppositions wingers. I know Tottenham need a striker, but having an opportunity to solidify the left back position for years to come might be too good an opportunity to pass up.