Manchester United are planning to try and lure Fabio Coentrao to Old Trafford again this January.
Boss David Moyes was convinced he had managed to sign the Real Madrid full-back just before the window slammed shut.
But the move was held back by the La Liga giants as they had not managed to line up a replacement.
Moyes has made it known he wants more competition for Patrice Evra's left-back spot with Leighton Baines his top target.
But the former Everton manager is not convinced the Toffees will sell their prized asset and has instead turned his attentions back to the Portugal international.
Coentrao has insisted he has no regrets about the move failing but has remained on the fringes at Santiago Bernabeu and the Spanish side are willing to listen to offers.