Ancelotti distances Real Madrid star from Manchester United switch

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Fabio Coentrao will be staying with Real Madrid this summer amid speculation of a possible move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils, along with Chelsea and Tottenham, have been linked with the Portugal left-back, who has not been involved in any of Madrid's opening three Primera Division matches and was said to be keen to leave the Bernabeu.

However, Ancelotti has said the 25-year-old, who cost Madrid a reported 30million euros (£25.6m) when he joined from Benfica in 2011, has told the club he wants to continue.

"Fabio is staying. I understood that he wanted to go, but really it was not the same desire for everyone. Now he's decided to stay and everybody, the club, players and coaching staff, are happy with this decision," the Italian told reporters following Madrid's 3-1 La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Regarding other possible comings and goings at Madrid before the transfer deadline, Ancelotti was non-committal.

Madrid are widely expected to confirm the signing of Spurs star Gareth Bale in the next 24 hours but there is still nothing official from either club, while the future of playmaker Kaka is also the subject of widespread speculation after the Brazil international announced last week that he wanted to leave.

Ancelotti said: "I don't really know what is going to happen tomorrow. I cannot say today. Anything could happen, both with regards to players coming in and players going out."