Manchester United transfer news: Rafael looking to leave club after Louis van Gaal snub

Right-back was left out of pre-season tour of US

Rafael da Silva: Never completely in control, particularly after introduction of Eden Hazard, but assured in short patches. 6 (Getty Images)

Rafael Da Silva is close to leaving Manchester United, according to his agent Cassiano Pereira.

The Brazilian is a fans' favourite but never won over Louis van Gaal last season, starting just seven matches in all competitions with the Dutch manager preferring to start winger Antonio Valencia at right-back.

The 25-year-old seemingly has no future at Old Trafford after Van Gaal moved to bring in Italian right-back Matteo Darmian for £12.7million, before leaving Rafael out of the 27-man squad that travelled to the US on a pre-season tour.

"His contract expires in June 2016 and the coach, Van Gaal, said he isn’t counting on him, so the player wants to leave and we are talking with more than one club about this," Pereira is quoted as saying on Tuttomercatoweb.

"Roma would be a more than welcome destination. We would be more than happy to talk to the capital club.

"Italy would be a great opportunity, particularly as he has a Portuguese passport."

Rafael had been first-choice in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford, starting 38 matches in all competitions as the club won the Premier League title.