The president of Lyon has confirmed that Rafael has arrived at the club for a medical ahead of his proposed move from Manchester United.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to the Ligue 1 side after struggling for first-team time under Louis van Gaal, and was left out of the team's pre-season tour of America.
Jean-Michel Aulas posted on Twitter that the defender has arrived ahead of his expected move, describing the 25-year-old as "cheerful".
Rafael joined United from Fluminense in 2008.