Fabio da Silva to Follow Anderson Out of Manchester United as David Moyes Trims Squad

Manchester United full back Fabio da Silva is close to securing a loan move to Bundesliga club Freiburg until the end of the season.

The Brazilian defender has failed to impress David Moyes this season and the Scot is willing to let him leave the club with Alexander Buttner his preferred choice as Patrice Evra's understudy.

The Guardian report that talks between the Premier League champions and Freiburg are at an advanced stage and an agreement could be reached within days.

Moyes' willingness to allow to Fabio to leave Old Trafford coincides with the club's renewed efforts to bring in Real Madrid left back Fabio Coentrao, after they failed with a deadline day loan bid for the Portuguese international during the summer.

Despite starting in the Champions League final against Barcelona just three years ago, Fabio has fallen drastically out of favour in recent times. The 23-year-old spent last season out on loan at Queens Park Rangers and drew praise from former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who suggested the left back was fully capable of matching his twin brother Rafael's status as a first team player.

Under Moyes however Fabio has started just one game for United in all competitions this season, coming off the bench on a further two occasions. His most recent appearance was marred by a straight red card four minutes after coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup third round loss to Swansea City.

With his contract set to expire this summer, that brief appearance against Michael Laudrup's side may very well be Fabio's last in a United shirt, after his agent indicated the defender will end his six year stay in Manchester when his current deal ends this summer.

"I can say that they will remain in Manchester until the end of the season, but in the summer it is very likely that they can go," Cassiano Pereira, who represents both da Silva brothers, said earlier this month.

Moyes has already sanctioned one departure this January, allowing Brazilian midfielder Anderson to join Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season.