Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Will Red Devils Defender Rafael da Silva Return To Brazil And Join Corinthians At Season's End?

As Manchester United continues to work out some kinks experienced during the early part of the Barclays Premier League, multiple reports indicate that one of the club's top defenders may be thinking about a possible departure from Old Trafford. With the club currently sitting ninth in the loaded twenty-club field with10 points through 7 matches, the Red Devils are certainly in the mix as one of the top teams in the league and while winning each game is certainly the ultimate goal, holding on to premier players is another top priority.

According to The Express, Man U defender Rafael da Silva is being targeted by Brazilian club Corinthians and being that the 23-year-old is a native of Brazil, many believe his departure from Man U could happen. As the starting defender continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered in United's Community Shield win over Wigan, higher-ups within the Brazilian club hold an optimistic stance when it comes to reeling in the star at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 season.

Though the Brazilian club has a high level of interest in the defender, Rafael is under contract with Manchester United until 2016 and even though recent speculation indicated that he may soon be on the move, the Brazilian national star says there is no reason for him to leave his current post with the defending Premier League champs even if Corinthians feel strongly about acquiring him.

"I am not thinking about leaving Manchester United, especially since I did well last season," da Silva said. "There is no reason to leave now, I am playing here, I am a starter and I don't intend to return to Brazil."

Despite the fact that multiple reports noted that Corinthians was in pursuit of the Brazilian native, da Silva's agent - Cassiano Pereira - said that a move from one club to the other would be extremely difficult while also indicating that his client is not actively thinking about departing Old Trafford.

"He's a starter, despite having been injured and nobody at Corinthians has talked to me," Pereira said recently. "Suddenly, there is interest. If there is, it's great. All third parties and players see Corinthians very positively, but it's hard, because he is happy at United. He is not even thinking about returning to Brazil."