Fabio Coentrao and Koke both unlikely to make United switch.
Manchester United are facing double disappointment in their bid to lure two players from Madrid this month, reports The Guardian.
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Under-pressure United boss David Moyes is keen to sign Real Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao and Koke of Atletico Madrid but both players are unlikely to move in January.
Coentrao, 25, agreed to join the Red Devils on transfer deadline day in August but the paperwork was not completed in time and the Portuguese remained in the Spanish capital, where he has made just four starts in La Liga this season.
Real head-coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted the club do not want to sell any players during the winter transfer window.
“No players are leaving and we’re not going to sign anyone,” the Italian said on Sunday. “The window is closed for us.”
Moyes is still hopeful that Coentrao’s agent Jorge Mendes can persuade Los Blancos to sell but it seems unlikely at this stage.
Koke, meanwhile, is affordable for United but the Old Trafford club are not confident of signing the 21-year-old attacking midfielder.
The Atlético sporting director, José Luis Pérez Caminero recently signalled Atleti’s desire to keep the Spain international long-term.
“Koke will be with us for many years. I am convinced,” Caminero said.
“He is a player who has improved considerably. [He] has also made it into the Spain squad and that puts you in the spotlight and opens more eyes.”
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