Liverpool and Arsenal fans have brought a tense atmosphere to the Football Transfer Tavern after The Express wrote how they had joined the race to sign Real Madrid full back Fabio Coentrao.

They join Manchester United in the hunt for the Portuguese international defender who has been valued at £25 million.

All three English clubs mentioned have struggled defensively at times this season and punters predict it will be frantic scrap to tie down the reliable defender.

The 26-year-old has bags of experience and he is due to have a lot of choice in the New Year with AC Milan and Besiktas also showing an interest, and of course, he may choose to stay at the Bernabeu.

But it is suggested that Coentrao wants to prove himself and showcase his talent in the Premier League, hailed the best division in the world.

Additionally, he is not guaranteed a starting place at Madrid as he competes with Marcelo and he may prefer to move to a club where he knows he has a better chance of starting week in, week out.