Benfica close in on Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe

The Dutch winger is believed to be close to a switch to Benfica as a replacement for new Bernabeu arrival Fabio Coentrao

Benfica are edging closer to a deal for Real Madrid wing-back Royston Drenthe, according to a report in Cadena Cope.

The Portuguese club are in the market for a new left-back after selling Fabio Coentrao to Real Madrid just a week ago for a fee of €30 million.

Spanish sources suggest the two clubs have reached an agreement for Drenthe, with Madrid receiving €4 million for the Dutchman.

Drenthe joined the 31-time La Liga champions from Feyenoord in 2007, but failed to hold down a regular place at the Santiago Bernabeu and was loaned out to Hercules last season.

The Netherlands international did not fly with the rest of the squad to Madrid's pre-season training camp in the United States in a clear sign the club are looking to part company with him.

Santos' Alex Sandro and Rubin Kazan's Cristian Ansaldi are also rumoured to be on Benfica's radar as potential replacements for Coentrao.