Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Rodrigo Caio, Matteo Darmian

Manchester United are reportedly poised to open talks with Sao Paulo regarding a £12 million move for Brazilian star Rodrigo Caio. Meanwhile, a January exit looks increasingly likely for right-back Matteo Darmian.

According to the Daily Star Sunday's Paul Brown, Caio is "set to leave" his Brazilian employers in the new year, and the Red Devils are considering a £12 million offer for the central defender.

Felipe Dana/Associated Press

However, clubs in La Liga and Serie A are also reported to be interested in the South American, who can play in the middle of defence or as a deep-lying midfielder.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson previously cited a report from French newspaper L'Equipe, which said Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-German could offer competition for the defender's signature this winter:

AC Milan and Sevilla are mentioned as two of the other suitors chasing Caio's services, meaning United could struggle to convince the 23-year-old that Old Trafford is his optimal destination.

Central defender Eric Bailly was brought to United by manager Jose Mourinho over the summer, but Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney recently pinpointed other potential weak spots in the team's defence:

Daley Blind and Chris Smalling have functioned as alternating partners for Bailly in the centre of defence, but Caio could provide another truly elite presence at centre-back, something Mourinho may feel he's lacking.

Meanwhile, Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t the Mirror's Aaron Flanagan) reported Darmian is set to move back to Serie A this winter, with Inter Milan looking like the most probable destination as things stand.

Antonio Valencia has taken over as Mourinho's first-choice right-back this season, and Darmian's agent, Fausto Pari, recently told Italian radio station Radio CRC (h/t James Walker-Roberts of Sky Sports) his client needs to see quick change:

"

He's playing little or nothing and it's a shame because he's an Italy international. If the situation doesn't change by January, we'll have to think of something. He risks also losing his place in the national team.

We've got to see what United want to do. Italian clubs have tried [to sign him], but United closed the door immediately.

"

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted the impact Valencia's return to form has had on Darmian's chances this season, with the Italian well and truly moving down the pecking order:

The Italy international is yet to feature in the Premier League this season and has played just 90 minutes of football for United this season, encouraging speculation Mourinho could let him leave in January.

Flanagan wrote that a deal between Inter and United "is close to being finalised," and the former Torino star edges nearer to a Serie A comeback as his 18-month stay in England's top flight draws to a possible end.