Fabio is being tipped to join Benfica on loan in the summer, as part of the deal which would see Nicolas Gaitan join Manchester United in a permanent move.

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he will look to let the Brazilian fullback leave Old Trafford for next season, so he can gain regular first team football.

It has now been strongly suggested that Fabio, 21, will head to Benfica for the campaign, as part of the deal which would see forward Gaitan join United for £20million.

"There is a high possibility that Fabio will go to Benfica," agent Cassiano Pereira told O Jogo. “The next two to three weeks we should know our position."

It is believed Federico Macheda, the young Italian forward, will also make the move to the Portuguese giants on loan as he too seeks regular first team action.

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!