Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira is closing in on a move to Flamengo, according to reports in Brazil.
Pereira spent last season on loan with Serie A giants Lazio, making 33 appearances in all competitions, only five of which came from the start.
That was his third spell away from Old Trafford in the last five years, with the Brazilian struggling to find a regular place at his parent club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had initially included Pereira in many of his squads when he was first appointed as Jose Mourinho’s successor in 2018.
But opportunities became increasingly limited in 2019/20 opening the door for that move to Lazio last summer.
And now Globo Esporte claim that the 25-year-old is closing in on a move to top-flight Flamengo.
The report suggests that United have signalled they are open to Pereira departing the club, with both parties treating negotiations “with great optimism”.
Flamengo would like to confirm Pereira’s arrival quickly in order to register him in the Copa do Brasil - meaning the move needs to be rubber stamped by next Tuesday.
Pereira had been involved in United’s pre-season plans, scoring a stunning goal during the 2-2- draw with Brentford.
However, he was an unused substitute for the Premier League opener against Leeds and was also left out of the behind-closed-doors friendly with Burnley on Tuesday.
That signalled his chances of first-team football look unlikely and after persuasive talks with agent Kia Joorabchian he is open to the move.
Globo say Joorabchian is the man negotiating directly with Manchester United bosses and he has been integral in convincing Pereira that it would be a positive step to move to the Brazilian top-flight.
Pereira has already hinted that he would be open to a move, telling Solskjaer that he is ready to play regularly and would go in search of those minutes if they weren't on offer.
"I'm ready to play, I'm not a boy anymore. I'm a man ready to take responsibility,” he told TNT Sports. "I'm sure that with playing time and continuity as a starter in my position, I can show what I've done on base, I can score more goals and give assists.
"A player of my position needs the confidence to play and the freedom to be bold on the field."
As for his United future, Pereira added: "In Manchester or elsewhere, the time has come to play, to have at least an hour per game on the field, to have the confidence to play.
“I want to be happy, to feel important."
