Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the pursuit of SL Benfica’s Swedish international Victor Lindelof.
Daily Mirror claim that Chelsea have entered the race for Benfica center-half Victor Lindelof. The Swedish international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks. But it seems the Red Devils will now have to fight it out with the Blues for the defender.
Victor Lindelof has become a very prominent name, not just in Portugal but also in Europe, thanks to his impressive outings for Benfica. The defender has helped keep ten clean sheets in just 17 Primiera Liga fixtures and has been thoroughly dominant in his performances.
Lindelof has been linked with several clubs including Chelsea right from the summer transfer window up until now. But Manchester United have been touted as heavy favourites to snap up the 22-year-old Swede.
There have been off-field hints by United players of the club’s interest in signing the central defender as well, and at one point, the 22-year-old was thought to be well on his way to Old Trafford, with the fee and even the shirt number rumoured to have been assigned.
Reports then emerged of Mourinho pulling the plug on the deal, but the player continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford. United had a clear run in up until now, but it looks like they have competition.
While Serie A giants Inter Milan have been linked previously, it now looks like Chelsea have also re-entered the race. Blues manager Antonio Conte is looking to freshen up his options at the back with most of his current options edging or having already crossed the 30-age barrier.
One positive point for United though is that both Chelsea and Inter are looking at a summer move for Lindelof. United were thinking of doing the same, but the aforementioned interest would make it tough for United to do a summer deal, which could force Mourinho’s hand and the Portuguese could move for Lindelof in January itself.
United were close to sealing a £38 million deal to bring the 22-year-old over to Old Trafford earlier in the month and it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Lindelof ends up signing for the red half of Manchester before the January window closes for a similar fee.
