'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
According to Franch newspaper L’Equipe, Brazilian right-back is all set to have a medical at French club Lyon as early as this Monday. The talented right-back has seen himself being out of favour since the arrival of Louis Van Gaal at the Manchester-based club, which is attributed to his inconsistent performances on the pitch and a number of injuries barring him to feature in the Dutchman’s plans.
The Brazilian was replaced by Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia in the right-back position for a majority of last season and the arrival of Matteo Darmian from Torino FC this transfer window sees his chances of playing at the Theatre Of Dreams diminished.
United are unlikely to demand a hefty price for the player, who has just a year left in his contract and Lyon are the frontrunners to land the 25-year old at the club. Lyon are determined to challenge for the French title this season after the complete domination of Paris-Saint Germain for the past three seasons since being overhauled by their owners-Qatar Investment Authority.
According to The Guardian, Galatasaray were also in the race to sign the Brazilian, but Lyon seem to have won the race. Touted to replace the long-serving club legend Gary Neville, Rafael made an impressive start under Sir Alex Ferguson.
With a touch of skill and ability to cover the pitch to attack and defend, Rafael was a successful signing for the Red Devils. However, a number of injuries curtailed his playing time, thereby putting his future at Old Trafford in doubt.
Rafael arrived at the Manchester-based side with his twin brother Fabio, who has moved to Cardiff City after a season-long spell at QPR. Rafael made a total of 169 appearances in all competitions for United scoring 5 goals. The twin brothers were touted to replicate the Neville brothers partnership at the club.
Van Gaal not counting on Rafael: Agent
The fact that Rafael was left out of United’s pre-season tour to the US, is an indicator in itself that his days at the club are numbered.
Speaking to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Cassiano Pereira, his agent said: “His contract expires in 2016 and manager Van Gaal has said that he is not counting on him. So the player wants to leave and we are talking to more than one club.”
He won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with the Red Devils.
