Fabio Coentrão set for move abroad

Fabio Coentrao is closing in on a move to Greek champions PAOK.

PAOK, who are now managed by Portuguese former Braga coach Abel Ferreira, and the addition of the former Real Madrid left back will be the second Portuguese player in the side after captain Vieirinha.

33-year old Vieirinha, who was part of the Portugal squad that won the 2016 Euros, is the club captain, was used as the club’s left back throughout last campaign, as well as being voted as the Greek giants’ player of the season.

Coentrao will likely slot in as the left back in the starting lineup, with Vieirinha currently out injured after suffering a disastrous cruciate ligament rupture at the end of last season.

When he does eventually return, however, it remains to be seen how Abel fits both Coentrao and Vieirinha in to the starting lineup together.

Having represented Rio Ave last season, Coentrao was openly disappointed that former club Sporting CP, who he spent the season prior on loan at, did not attempt to sign him on a permanent deal, and he instead had to join the mid-table Primeira Liga outfit.

One year on from that, though, he is again a free agent, having played 21 of 34 Primeira Liga matches for Rio Ave last term.

He did a decent job - but likely did not intend to stay at his boyhood club for any longer than a year, and is now set for a new adventure, most likely in Greece.

The former Real Madrid left back had been linked with a move to Brazilian outfit Flamengo, where he would have linked up with his former manager Jorge Jesus..