Manchester United Certain Of Signing Lindelof, As Only Medical Remains
Reuters / Carl Recine
Manchester United might soon land their first signing of the summer, in the form of Benfica center-back Victor Lindelof.
The defender is understood to have moved forward for his Manchester United medical, slated to happen at Carrington next week. The player is currently on the fly for his national duties for the Swedish National Team, who would be playing their World Cup qualifier game against France.
The medical was intentionally delayed, as he did not want the transfer to impact his duties for his national side in any way.
According to reports from the Portuguese media house Record, the deal is understood to revolve at an amount in the range of €40 million. This is understood to include all external clauses, and other performance bonuses.
The defender would be first among several reinforcements, as Jose Mourinho seeks to improve his squad depth for the upcoming season. With several possible signings under hushed tones, the intentions of the Portuguese manager, who is eyeing both the Champions League and Premier League, seem strong.
The deal for the 22-year-old has been on and off the cards since January, as United had failed to appease Benfica’s demands.
In an effort to back the prospective move, Eric Bailly supported the attempt and went on to suggest that Lindelof’s transfer to Old Trafford would be an excellent addition to the club. United Swede sensation Zlatan Ibrahimovic also appreciated the player, by stating that his addition would add even more quality to the team’s backline.
Presently, Manchester United have the services of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo at the back. The Argentine, though, suffered a serious injury, and is not expected to return this calendar year.
Lindelof, who has stayed mum for the entire transfer saga, only reminded the Portuguese media outlet VLT (via M.E.N. Sport) that he has a contract with Benfica which runs till 2021.
He stated: “There are rumours that there is always, at all times, I will say the same thing I always do, I have a contract with Benfica. I have played there for five years and really enjoy myself.
“I’m still young and I feel I’m developing all of the time, football down there gives me a lot. So my answer will always be that I get on very well at Benfica and that’s where my focus is.”
The young starlet has played 48 league games for Benfica’s first team since his debut in 2013, scoring 2 goals. Last year, he played 11 games for Sweden, scoring a goal too. His performances for both club and country were the reasons why Manchester United grew more interested in the lad.
Written by Srivats Venkateswaran 
Sports writer with a long experience of writing in football.Was football team head at EssentiallySports. Still deeply misses Sir Alex and Berbatov at United. An introvert at heart with a poetic hand. Engineer by choice, writer by passion.