Lyon are closing in on the signing of Brazilian right-back Rafael from Manchester United.

The defender was told he could leave United earlier this summer after being left out of the squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

And on Monday morning, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas announced the 25-year-old was in the French city ahead of a potential transfer to the Ligue 1 runners-up.

“Rafael has arrived from Manchester, we are waiting for an agreement with MU (United) about his transfer,” Aulas tweeted.

“He has the Brazilian good humour.”

Reports in France suggest Lyon will pay up to €3.6 million for the signature of the three-time Premier League winner.

Rafael joined United along with his twin brother Fabio from Fluminense in 2008.

Rafael went on to establish himself as a first-team regular under Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, but new manager Louis van Gaal often overlooked the defender, choosing Antonio Valencia ahead of him.

Rafael started just six Premier League games in the 2014-15 season, the last of which came on October 26 against Chelsea.

And when Van Gaal signed right-back Matteo Darmian from Torino this summer, it was clear Rafael was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

Rafael later tweeted his goodbyes to United and the club’s fans.

“I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those 8 years,” he wrote.

“Since I signed with the club I lived incredible moments, after all were 8 years wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs of the world.

“Thank you ManUtd FC. I also want to thank all employees who always treated me with great affection and gave me greater attention.

“Thank you United Kingdom, I learned a lot in this country, as a player, and no doubt as a human being...”