French UEFA Cup challengers AS Monaco FC have signed SL Benfica left-back Manuel Dos Santos on an 18-month contract. The 31-year-old returns to the club where he started his career in 1995/96, after being used sparingly by Benfica coach Ronald Koeman this season.

Personal approach
Dos Santos has played only three Portuguese Liga matches, having been a regular in Giovanni Trapattoni's championship-winning side last term. The former Montpellier HSC and Olympique de Marseille man made a personal approach to Monaco general manager Jean-Luc Ettori when he heard the principality team were selling Patrice Evra to Manchester United FC.

Winter signings
He is Monaco's third major signing of the January transfer window, following Italian strikers Marco Di Vaio and Christian Vieri to the Stade Louis II. If registered, the Cape Verde-born French native will be eligible to play in Monaco's UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against FC Basel 1893.