Inter step up Coentrao pursuit

Inter Milan are expected to come up with a formal bid for Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao.

The Portugal international joined the Bernabeu giants from Benfica in 2011, and has since then played second fiddle to Marcelo for the left-back role.

Coentrao is thought to have recently requested Real to allow him join his former club Benfica on a cut-price deal.

However, Corriere dello Sport claims that Roberto Mancini is confident of luring the talented left-back to a new look Inter Milan side before the transfer window closes.

Inter begin their league campaign with a home game against Atalanta.