Transfer Centre

Jose Mourinho coy on Victor Lindelof speculation

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 December 2016

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho refuses to confirm whether his club are close to signing Benfica's Swedish defender Victor Lindelof.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has said that it is "normal" for him to be linked with players from the Portuguese league as speculation surrounding the future of Victor Lindelof gathers pace.

It is widely understood that Man United have agreed a £38m deal for the Benfica defender, expected to go through at the start of the January transfer window.

Mourinho was coy when questioned on the 22-year-old, however, with the Portuguese refusing to confirm whether talks between the two clubs had taken place.

"In Portugal, the front pages say every player in Portugal now is coming to Manchester United. It's normal, a few seasons ago every player from Portugal was going to Chelsea, going to Real Madrid, it's normal with the connection," Mourinho told Sky Sports News.

"But I keep saying the same, I like my squad. I believe more in the summer market than in the winter window. More time, more choice, I think it's better. But let's see what happens.

"If we buy a player we buy a player, we're not buying two, three or four. If we open the door for someone to leave it's not because we push him, it's because he really wants to leave. But for me, I am more than happy to keep the players."

Lindelof joined Benfica from Vasteras SK in 2012 and initially represented the Portuguese side's B team, before stepping into the first-team picture in 2015. Last summer, the Sweden international extended his contract with Benfica until the summer of 2020.