Guardiola Ready To Hijack Mourinho’s Summer Deal For Lindelof
Reuters / Phil Noble
Manchester City have reportedly joined the race for Manchester United’s potential summer target Victor Lindelof.
United failed in their attempts to sign Lindelof in January, and they could be left to rue not securing the deal if the latest report from Portuguese news outlet O Jogo is to be believed.
The paper says City boss Pep Guardiola is all set to step on United’s toes and try to tempt the Benfica centre-back to the Etihad instead – a move that would certainly anger Jose Mourinho due to the pair’s long-standing rivalry.
United had appeared on the brink of signing Lindelof in a £38m deal when the winter window opened this year, with some reports even suggesting that the Swedish defender was due to be given the number two shirt at Old Trafford.
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Both Manchester United and City are keen to strengthen their defensive ranks at the end of this season as Mourinho and Guardiola plot a route to the Premier League title in the next campaign also.
With plenty of options available in the attacking departments, boosting the backline will be the primary target for the Manchester giants ahead of the 2017/18 season.
United are believed to holding the advantage if Lindelof becomes available again this summer but, with Manchester City and other top European suitors such as Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the hunt, another exciting transfer saga seems to be awaiting.
Reuters / Rafael Marchante
Benfica are expected to make a huge profit on the highly rated Swede after they signed him for a paltry £2.6m fee back in July 2012. The 22-year-old has proven to be a precious asset for his team since his move from Vasteras VK and has secured his place in Rui Vitoria’s starting lineup since his debut in October 2013.
Lindelof has since gone on to play 59 matches for Benfica, helping the Portuguese club win six trophies in four years, including two Portuguese first division titles.
