Fábio da Silva could move on loan to the Bundesliga club Freiburg from Manchester United until the end of the season.

Discussions are at an advanced stage and David Moyes is content to allow the left-back to leave as the United manager has Alexander Büttner as cover for Patrice Evra in the position.

Moyes's willingness to allow Fábio to depart also underlines that hopes remain regarding a temporary move for Fábio Coentrão, the Real Madrid left-back, despite resistance from the Spanish club.

Fábio da Silva has managed three appearances this season, with the most recent lasting only four minutes after the Brazilian was sent off having come one as 76th-minute replacement in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford on 5 January.

Freiburg are 16th in the Bundesliga, occupying a place that at the end of the season would entail a play-off against a side seeking promotion.