A Candle In The Wind: Rafael da Silva to join Lyon

Louis van Gaal's overhaul of the poor Manchester United squad left by Alex Ferguson and then kicked about by David Moyes continues with the expected exit of Rafael da Silva to Lyon.

The French side are strengthening after pushing Paris Saint-Germain for the title last season, and should be able to get Rafael for a reasonable price. At 25, he fits the profile of the kind of player they are after, and with a year left on his contract, United are unlikely to demand a high fee for the transfer.

L'Equipe report that he is expected to join Lyon this week, and the move is no surprise. Rafael barely featured for Manchester United last season, as Antonio Valencia was favoured for his defensive discipline and predictability, despite his staggeringly limited approach to the game. With the arrival of Matteo Darmian, he became third, potentially fourth after Phil Jones, in line for the right-back position.