Jump directly to the content
Lindel-off?

Victor Lindelof to Man United: Swede left out of Benfica’s match day squad fuelling speculation move to Red Devils is still on

MANCHESTER UNITED target Victor Lindelof has been left out of Benfica's squad to face FC Pacos de Ferreira - fuelling speculation that his move to the Premier League is still on.

The centre-back has been strongly linked with a £42million move to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

 Victor Lindelof has been left out of Benfica's squad
3
Victor Lindelof has been left out of Benfica's squadCredit: Getty Images

United boss Jose Mourinho was keen to land the talented 22-year-old to bolster his central defence and a deal seemed all but completed after it was reported he would be handed the No2 shirt.


Keep up to date with ALL the Manchester United news, gossip and transfers on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary


But with Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones forming a formidable partnership in defence, Mourinho is thought to be having second thoughts on opening the cheque book for Lindelof in January.

It was reported that Lindelof travelled with the rest of the Benfica squad for their Portuguese Cup clash on Thursday evening but was pulled last-minute for reasons unknown.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira Ferreira was also in Manchester last week to discuss Lindelof's switch.

 Lindelof could cost United up to £50m
3
Lindelof could cost United up to £50mCredit: Getty Images
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have never lost when playing together for Man United
3
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have formed an unlikely partnershipCredit: Reuters

The which would mean United would have to stump up £50m to land their man.


Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport's daily LIVE blog


Mourinho is not short of defensive options with Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind all available to play in the middle of the back four.

But the Portuguese boss has been left unconvinced over the performances of Smalling this season and remains concerned that Bailly could miss up to a month at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Topics