© AP Enlarge Fabio Coentrao is being kept out of Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid starting XI by Mareclo

Tottenham Hotspur have rekindled their interest in Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao after Jan Vertonghen voiced his frustration at being asked to cover the position.

Spurs attempted to sign the Portugal international in the summer, who was also the target of a failed loan bid from Manchester United.

However, with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti favouring Marcelo in the full-back role and Tottenham beset by injuries, a fresh approach - potentially a loan deal - is reportedly on the cards in January.

Danny Rose excelled in the role early on this season, only to fall victim to a foot injury, while Kyle Naughton has also been ruled out in recent weeks.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas was forced to deploy Vertonghen at left-back against Everton again this weekend, and the Belgian made his feelings clear on being played out of position after the match

"I can play at left-back and I can help the team at times," he said. "But everyone knows I am not a left-back.

"Once there are injuries, I'm the first to fill in the gap. Sometimes it's better if you can play in only one position.

"You see that with other players. These guys specialise in one position and they can completely concentrate."

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