AS Roma have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica in the summer.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Victor Lindelof is the subject of interest of AS Roma. The Serie A club are set to battle Manchester United in the race to sign the Swedish defender from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window.
Lindelof joined Benfica as an 18-year-old in 2012 and has made rapid strides in the last five seasons to establish himself as one of the most integral components in the clubs first-team setup.
In fact, his development has been so impressive that the player is now being regarded as one of the most promising young players in Europe. A mainstay in defence for the Portuguese giants, Lindelof made 46 appearances in all competitions for his side this season, and was influential in their successful Liga NOS title defence.
Manchester United may have to compete in a bidding war with AS Roma over the signing of Victor Lindelof. #MUFC #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/cVg0eRiaOG
— Flex Football (@FlexFootball) May 28, 2017
However, the player’s rise has also put a target on his back, with some of the biggest clubs in the world setting their sights on him. Of these, Manchester United are believed to be leading the race to sign him, having been heavily linked with Lindelof in recent months.
In fact, the Red Devils were believed to be close to securing a deal for him in January before a move failed to materialise. However, the club have retained their interest in the player, with Jose Mourinho keen to sign a top quality centre-back in the summer.
Eric Bailly has been a revelation for Manchester United ever since his arrival at Old Trafford last summer. But Marcos Rojo’s injury – which is likely to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year – has accentuated the Manchester United boss’ need to sign a central defender in the summer.
However, Manhester United are set to face competition in the form of AS Roma in the race to sign Lindelof. The Giallorossi are eager to mount a challenge for the Serie A title next season, and with Kostas Manolas being eyed by several clubs, Luciano Spalletti will need a top quality replacement.
He has, thus, turned his attention towards Lindelof, and Roma are believed to be ready to shell out £30 million to secure his services in the summer. Meanwhile, Manchester United are only willing to pay some £10 million below Benfica’s £35 million of the player.
Therefore, it looks like Manchester United will have to re-adjust their valuation if they intend to land Lindelof in the summer, with Roma taking the decisive step in the race to sign him in the summer.
