Manchester United willing to let Rafael da Silva depart amid interest from Galatasaray

Manchester United are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Brazilian full-back Rafael da Silva, after the defender fell out of favour under Louis van Gaal, according to Sky Sports.

The Brazilian right-back joined the Red Devils in 2008, and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club. But last season, the Dutchman preferred Antonio Valencia over Rafael, with the latter restricted to just 10 appearances in the Premier League all season.

Rafael was a regular during Sir Alex Ferguson's final season, but has since struggled to nail down a regular place in the team due to concerns regarding his lack of either fitness or form. Fellow central defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been used in his position at times in the last couple of campaigns.

Van Gaal has made strengthening the ride side of United's defence a priority this summer and has been linked to various players in recent weeks. Nathaniel Clyne was on top of the Dutch manager's wish list, but Liverpool got the jump on their rivals and signed the player from Southampton.

According to Italian publication La Stampa, the 20-time English champions have now turned their attention to Torino defender Matteo Darmian, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past.

This means that the Brazilian international is now surplus to requirements at the club, and has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

The report claims that Turkish giants Galatasaray have shown interest in signing the defender, while Serie A duo Napoli and Fiorentina are also keen on luring the right-back to Italy.

Rafael, who can also operate as a right sided midfielder, could become United's fifth summer departure and follow Ben Amos, Luis Nani, Tom Cleverly and Saidy Janko to pastures new this summer.