Coentrao wants Benfica return

A Bola is reporting that Fabio Coentrao hopes to return to Benfica this summer as the Real Madrid exit draws closer.

With los Blancos looking to sign a new left-back to challenge Marcelo for a starting berth, the Portugal international is desperate to leave Santiago Bernabeu in search of first team football.

And with former club Benfica showing serious interest, Coentrao appears ready to return to Estadio da Luz.

The 27-year-old is ready to take a serious pay cut in order to facilitate a move to Lisbon, but it remains to be seen whether the Eagles can find an agreement with his current employers.

Fabio Coentrao joined Real Madrid in a €30 million deal from Benfica four years ago, but has since managed mere 55 La Liga outings.

The full-back, nonetheless, remains an important member of the Portugal national team and has even been used in midfield by new coach Fernando Santos.