Soccer: Madrid sign Coentrao for $52m

Real Madrid continued their summer rebuilding yesterday with the signing of the Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao.

The 23-year-old Portuguese international will sign, subject to a medical, for $52 million, making him the second most expensive fullback after Dani Alves.

Coentrao arrives as one of Europe's highest-rated young defenders. He was part of the Benfica side who won the Portuguese domestic double in 2009-10 and he impressed in last northern summer's World Cup.

He will challenge Brazilian Marcelo for a place in Jose Mourinho's side next season.

Marcelo may be a victim of Mourinho's desire to bring in a new generation of young players to the Bernabeu.

Madrid have already signed 22-year-old Nuri Sahin this northern summer, the Turkish midfielder joining from Borussia Dortmund for $17.3 million.

Hamit Altintop has also signed on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Last year Madrid bought Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.

Last season Madrid finished second in La Liga and lost a Champions League semifinal to Barcelona and, despite winning the Copa del Rey, there is demand for more next season.

- Independent