Lazio close in on Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira

Andreas Pereira is set to leave Manchester United and will join Italian side Lazio for 10 million euros, according to reports.

The deal is said to be a year long loan plus an obligation to buy next summer for 10 million euros.

The 24-year-old midfielder has never been more than a fringe player at United and has had loan spells at Granada and Valencia, but was never able to break into the first team at Old Trafford on a regular basis.

He has played 75 times for the senior team, but having made his debut in the 2014/15 season it is clear that he was at the end of his time with the club and needed a switch to get regular game time elsewhere.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Donny van de Beek mean that he is behind at least five or six players in central midfield and he rarely impressed when operating on the wings.

The news comes as United are linked with Amad Traore of Atalanta, who would offer further competition in midfield and force him further down the pecking order.

United are looking to sell as many of their squad players as they can where the players are no longer needed. Phil Jones’ injury means that he is likely to survive for yet another transfer window, and he may ultimately be at Old Trafford than Alex Ferguson managed. Chris Smalling seems to be edging towards a move to Roma on a permanent basis after spending last season there on loan.

Sergio Romero is reportedly in talk with Valencia, and the return of Dean Henderson from his extended loan spell at Sheffield United mean that he and Lee Grant are not both needed to provide cover to the first team.

Marcos Rojo could also be sold.