Report: Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao off to Monaco on loan

Fabio Coentrao is trying France for a change.

Real Madrid is currently finalizing a deal to send the Portuguese left-back on loan to Monaco, according to Spanish daily AS, ending other outside interest from Serie A club Inter.

Monaco has decided to move for Coentrao despite its elimination from the Champions League on Tuesday. Coentrao will likely replace left-back Layvin Kurzawa, who's reportedly in Paris to complete a move to Ligue 1 champion Paris Saint-Germain.

Coentrao lost his place in the lineup last season under manager Carlo Ancelotti, making just five starts in La Liga after failing to win over Ancelotti.

Ancelotti is no longer there, but newly appointed manager Rafa Benitez apparently does not envision a role for Coentrao either.

Madrid acquired Coentrao from Benfica in 2011 after triggering his €30-million release clause. Various knee and muscular injuries forced him to miss chunks of the following four seasons.