Rafael is eligible to play for England but was put off by the row over Januzaj

Rafael Da Silva seriously considered defecting from Brazil to play for England before the controversial “nationality” debate exploded around Adnan Januzaj, his Manchester United team-mate.

Rafael, who could be eligible to represent England under a five-year residency rule, told his United team-mates in September that he was mulling over the idea of declaring his allegiance for his adopted country.

Although the defender, 23, has played twice in friendlies for Brazil and represented his country’s under-23 team at the Olympic Games in London last year, he could qualify for England on the grounds that he has spent at least five years at United — whom he joined from Fluminense in 2008 — though Fifa would have to ratify the move.

The idea is thought to have