Manchester United defender Rafael Da Silva close to completing Lyon switch

Manchester United defender Rafael Da Silva is reportedly closing in on a move to Ligue 1 club Lyon, according to a report by French publication L'equipe.

The Brazilian full-back has been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and Louis van Gaal has reportedly told the defender that he can leave the club this summer.

Rafael, who is in the final year of his contract, will be free to begin negotiations with clubs outside England in January and agree a pre-contract agreement with a view to a move next summer.

Rafael is not expected be given a chance to reclaim a place in the team following the arrival of Matteo Darmian, who is primarily a right-back and will challenge Antonio Valencia for a place in the starting XI in the upcoming campaign.

The 25-year-old defender's agent Cassiano Pereira has already admitted that his client will leave the 20-time English champions this summer, and has welcomed offers from clubs.

According to the Guardian, Galatasaray were also said to be interested in signing the Brazilian right-back, who joined United in 2008, but the French report claims that Lyon are leading the race for his signature, with the deal close to being finalised.

Meanwhile, Hull manager Steve Bruce is reportedly keen to take Red Devils defender Paddy McNair on a season-long loan to the KC Stadium, according to the Mirror.

The former Red Devils player is hoping the Dutch manager will allow the young defender, who broke into the first-team last season, to go on loan for the 2015/16 campaign.

Bruce, who allowed defender James Chester to leave the club to join Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion in an £8m deal is under pressure to reduce the wage bill at the club following their relegation to the Championship last season.