Manchester United are close to wrapping up the signing of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof, reports the Sunday Mirror.
United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen his defence in the New Year, particularly with summer arrival Eric Bailly expected to be unavailable for much of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Premier League giants are believed to have been tracking the 22-year-old for some time now, with a £34m bid on the table and the rest of the fee based on success-related bonuses.
Lindelof is rumoured to have a £30m release clause in his contract, but that can only be triggered next summer, with Mourinho demanding the club fork out more in January in order to bring him to Old Trafford sooner.
Mourinho is aware that the defence needs strengthening in the club’s pursuit of a top-four finish, with Lindelof top of the club’s most-wanted list.
A ball playing defender, the Swedish centre-back has averaged the third most passes per game (60.5) of all Benfica players in Liga NOS this season.
For more stats on Victor Lindelof, click here to view his WhoScored player page
