Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly set to battle to sign Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao - and the transfer could lead to Ashley Cole joining the Spanish giantsJose Mourinho's side have been trying to sign Coentrao for several weeks, but a deal has stalled over the past few days, with the two clubs unable to agree a fee.
Coentrao has on several occasions stated that he wants to quit the Portuguese club to move to the Bernabeu, with his comments getting him into trouble with his current club.
But with a move to the Spanish capital in danger of collapse, the Daily Mirror reports that new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is ready to battle with mentor Mourinho to try and sign the 23-year-old.
Coentrao has a buy-out clause in his Benfica contract worth around €30million.
And while Real have thus far been unwilling to meet that amount, Tuesday's report suggests the Blues are prepared to pay the release clause.
Should that happen and should the former Liverpool target move to London, that could lead to England international Ashley Cole leaving Stamford Bridge for Spain.
Reports at the weekend suggested the former Arsenal left-back is considering a move abroad and has signalled to ex-wife Cheryl that he is prepared to move to Spain - providing she moves with him.
Caughtoffside.com on Monday reported that Los Blancos boss Mourinho is ready to make a move for the 30-year-old, who was linked with a move to the Bernabeu last year.
And should Coentrao be heading to SW6, then the chances of that deal happening will increase.
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