Transfer Centre

Report: Manchester United open Victor Lindelof talks

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 December 2016

A report claims that Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof could be on his way to Manchester United in January, as the two clubs have started an initial round of talks.

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Victor Lindelof after opening discussions with Benfica over the defender's services.

The 22-year-old's agent revealed earlier this week that "some of the biggest teams in Europe" are interested in the centre-back, who has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks.

According to the Daily Record, Lindelof tops Jose Mourinho's transfer wishlist as he looks to bring in some further depth, with United understood to be willing to pay the full asking price for the Sweden international.

It is claimed that vice-chairman Ed Woodward has approved Mourinho's request to again spend big when the transfer window reopens but, contrary to previous reports, a fee in the region of £50m may have to be handed over.

Benfica are said to have already rejected a bid of £30m for Lindelof, plus over £8m in add-ons, and they feel that the ball is firmly in their court due to the number of teams currently interested.

Lindelof has spent five years at Benfica since joining from Vasteras, featuring 15 times for the Portuguese club this term and also representing Sweden on four occasions.