Anderson has undergone a medical with Fiorentina in what appears to be the closing chapter of his six-and-a-half year Manchester United career.
The midfielder has long been out of favour at Old Trafford since joining the club in a £20million deal from Porto in 2007, becoming only the second Brazilian to sign for United after Kleberson.
Anderson, full name Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliviera, has made just four league appearances for United this season, having never really won a first-team place during his time in Manchester.
The 25-year-old was filmed arriving at Florence Airport yesterday morning before a photo of him having a medical examination was posted on Fiorentina’s Twitter account ahead of a prospective loan until the end of 2013-14.
Fiorentina are currently fourth in the Serie A table, 15 points behind league-leaders Juventus and five off the Champions League places.
Sir Alex Ferguson fought against difficulties in obtaining a work permit for the then teenager, and many at Old Trafford believed that he would prove to be a long-term replacement for Roy Keane, who had been sold in 2005.
Anderson won the Golden Ball at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship and played his first full international for Brazil two years later.
Thought to be a rising star upon his arrival at United, Anderson made 38 appearances in his debut campaign, but a return of just nine goals in seven seasons has led to the imminent loan move which may turn permanent in the summer.
Similarly, his struggle to find form meant that he has not featured for his country since 2008.
The prospect of losing Anderson will not do United manager David Moyes any favours as he looks to strengthen an under-staffed midfield, with the Scot saying earlier this month that there are not many suitable players available during the January window.
Image courtesy of Bwin, with thanks
Video courtesy of ACF Fiorentina, with thanks.
