Manchester United have opened talks with Brazilian international Cicinho, according to reports.

The Sao Paulo defender flew into Manchester by private jet on Wednesday night to discuss a move to Old Trafford, according to a report in today’s Mirror.

The 25-year-old right-back has been identified by coach Carlos Alberto Parreiraas the long-term replacement for ageing skipper Cafu.

Cicinho has an £8 million release cause after impressing for Brazil during their recent Confederations Cup victor, the full-back has attracted the attention of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

If the reports are accurate then a move to United would represent something of a u-turn for Cicinho. Only days ago he revealed he would relish a move to Milan.

“I want to play in Italy,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “It has been my dream since I was a child.

“I would like to join Milan. They are the strongest side in Europe. But there are also Inter and Juventus and I often speak to Adriano and Emerson about them.’