Fabio set for Portugal switch

Fabio da Silva is set to join Benfica on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United next term, according to his agent.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's 4-0 win against Aston Villa that the Brazilian left-back would be sent out on loan after having his progress hindered at Old Trafford in the past 12 months due to a series of niggling injury problems. Fabio has been restricted to just 15 appearances in all competitions this term, although that only includes two Premier League starts, so Ferguson is keen to get some more first-team action under his belt on a consistent basis. And, with United heavily linked with a deal to sign Benfica's highly-rated midfielder Nicolas Gaitain in the summer, it now appears that Fabio could be sent to the Portuguese giants on loan in an effort to push the switch through. Fabio's agent Cassiano Pereira told the Telegraph: "There is a high possibility that Fabio will go to Benfica. Alex Ferguson has talked with me and Fabio about this possibility and the next two or three weeks we should know our position." Ferguson will hope Fabio can develop his career at Benfica and eventually become veteran French left-back Patrice Evra's long-term replacement at Old Trafford.