Manchester United transfer rumour: Mourinho identifies Swedish star Victor Lindelof to solve defensive crisis
As per the latest reports from Portugal, Manchester United have turned their attention to the highly rated central defender Victor Lindelof to sort out their defensive chaos. Jose Mourinho has been left clueless after the recent run of results in Premier League after The Red Devils suffered their 4th straight draw vs. West Ham during the weekend.
Part of the reason for United’s poor results has been sloppy defensive errors to go with appalling finishing up top. Rumour has it that Mourinho is keen to bring a defender and a striker to Old Trafford in January with Lindelof on top of Mourinho’s wishlist.
Lindelof, 22 started his career at Vasteras SK in the lower tiers of Swedish football, before signing for Benfica as a 17-year-old in December 2011. After an initial struggle, Lindelof became a key member of Benfica’s defence and has already made 17 appearances for the Portuguese side this season.
Will Lindelof cost Manchester United the fortunes?
According to reports from Sky Sports, Benfica are unmoved from their stance of demanding a whopping £25million fee to let go of their Swedish prodigy as he has been touted to become as one of the best defenders in Europe.
Although the sum may not seem a big one for Ed Woodward and Co., the United hierarchy can no longer afford to be splashing the cash on players who are yet to prove their dominance on the world stage. We have seen the likes of Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian flop big time after their big-money move to Old Trafford.
Lindelof has Zlatan’s approval
Although it may not come as the deciding factor in this deal, however, Swedish legend and current Manchester United striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic thinks his former national teammate is ready to play for big clubs in Europe, including Man United.
Addressing Lindelof’s rumoured move to Old Trafford, Zlatan said: "Is he good enough for United? I think he's good enough for the big clubs out there. It's up to him what he wants. Whatever he chooses will be good for him.
"I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice, what fits him good."
Mourinho fancies Lindelof
According to reports in Portugal, Mourinho has regularly asked his scouts to watch Lindelof this season, and he has been left impressed with his speed and defensive capabilities. Mourinho also sees similarities between Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane, whom he managed at Real Madrid and is eager to make a bid to bring the Swedish defender to Old Trafford in January.
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