Manchester United have set their sights on bringing Benfica’s Swedish defender Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford in the summer, according to reports.
Afton Bladet (via Daily Star) report that Manchester United have already put in a £20m offer for the Swedish international defender. The Red Devils are reported to have become interested in the 21 year-old centre-back after scouts who had been sent to monitor Renato Sanches saw him in action.
Benfica’s defensive record this season is one of the best in Europe and Lindelof has played his part in making that happen. His performances this year have garnered interest from European superpowers which include Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus, all of whom are champions of their respective leagues. Lindelof still has a contract till 2020 with Benfica and reportedly has a buyout clause of £23m.
Manchester United’s troubles with injuries have been well documented this season. They lack depth in various areas of the park, especially defence, which has often led to Daley Blind being played at centre-back. United reportedly put in a bid for the young Swede after being impressed by his performances in Europe and in the Portuguese League, which Benfica won.
Since being called up to the starting XI towards the end of January, after Benfica were ravaged by injuries, the young Swede has gone on to impress at the back for the Portuguese giants with superb performances.
He’s a powerful player and at 6’2, he’s a big presence in the air. He plays with maturity well beyond his years and can switch between right back and center back with ease. His versatility is his main strength and one that would appeal to Van Gaal. Lindelof has also been called up to Erik Hamren’s Sweden Euro 2016 squad.
After a superb half season with the Águias, the two time Primeira Liga champion will be closely watched by Europe’s elite clubs as he gets set to represent his nation on Europe’s biggest footballing stage.