Victor Lindelof could end up leaving Manchester United this summer, with Everton reportedly lining up a £35 million bid for the Swede
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Victor Lindelof is the subject of interest from Everton, who are set for a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. The Toffees are plotting a bid for the Manchester United defender, and are set to offer £35 million for the Swede.
Lindelof joined Manchester United from Benfica last summer in a £31.5 million deal, moving to Old Trafford amid a lot of hype and excitement surrounding his talent. His maiden campaign with the Red Devils though, was a struggle, with the player failing to nail down a regular place in the starting lineup.
Lindelof managed just 29 appearances across all competitions, initially copping a lot of flak for his error-prone ways. But, he did show a lot of progress as well, winning over the Manchester United fans with several important tackles and interceptions in the few matches that he did get a chance in.
However, there have been suggestions that Lindelof might just be on his way just a season after joining Manchester United, with a possible loan move mooted as well. And, Everton are one of the clubs that are interested in signing the Swedish international, albeit on a permanent deal.
The Merseyside club are set for a squad restructuring after a disastrous 2017-18 season that saw them sack two managers and waste a lavish outlay last summer. With Marco Silva now at the helm and Marcel Brands the director of football, there are going to be some changes at Goodison Park.
Brands has already iterated that Silva’s squad size will be reduced from its current 38-strong men. Those facing an uncertain future at the back are Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori, thereby accentuating the need to sign a top class centre-back to line up alongside Michael Keane next season. The Manchester United defender is, thus, a viable target.
In fact, Everton are ready to rest the waters by lodging a £35 million bid for Lindelof, who has been earmarked as a priority signing this summer. However, the report suggests that Manchester United are unlikely to entertain any offers, with Mourinho ready to give a more prominent role to the player.
While the Manchester United boss does have too many centre-backs, considering he is lining up a move for another this summer, he may have to axe one or two to make room for a potential arrival. But, the Swede is not in any danger of going to the chopping block, with his National Team manager Janne Andersson also saying that he will be surprised if he is sold.
It now remains to be seen if Everton succeed in signing Lindelof this summer. But, for all intents and purposes, it looks unlikely that the defender will be leaving Manchester United for the Merseyside club unless he asks for a move.
