The agent of Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva has revealed that Benfica are leading the race for his client's services.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday confirmed that he would allow the Brazilian to leave the club on a temporary basis.

Agent Cassiano Pereira has now claimed that the Portuguese side is the 21-year-old's most likely destination.

"There is the possibility that Fabio could go to Benfica," Pereira told O Jogo. "Alex Ferguson has already talked to me and Fabio about that possibility, and in the next two or three weeks we will make a decision."

Fabio has featured in five Premier League matches this season.