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Manchester United defender Rafael keen on Serie A move - agent

Rafael da Silva wants to leave Manchester United and would be keen on a move to Roma or Fiorentina, his agent has said.

Rafael, who has not started a league game since October, was omitted from the 26-man squad that Louis van Gaal selected for United's preseason tour of the United States.

The Dutchman has already signed Rafael's replacement at right-back in the shape of Italy international Matteo Darmian, who joined United on Saturday.

Rafael's agent, Cassiano Pereira, told Tuttomercatoweb: "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 said the 25-year-old is keen on a move to Serie A.

"Roma would be a more than welcome destination," he said. "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."

Asked whether he would also consider a move to Fiorentina, the agent said: "Definitely. As I said before, we are in contact with several clubs, but I can't reveal them.

"If Fiorentina call us, we'll be very happy to talk. The player is very interested in playing in Italy."

Rafael has also been linked with Galatasaray and, asked about a potential move to Turkey, Pereira said: "It's a possible path, like any other."

The defender has scored five goals in 169 games for United since his debut in 2008, helping them win the Premier League three times.