Manchester United agree £30m fee for Lindelof

Manchester United are closing on the signing of Victor Lindelof, after confirming they have agreed a fee with Benfica for the defender.

The Sweden international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several months, having impressed at his current club since bursting into their first team in 2013. He has gone on to make 73 appearances in all competitions for the Estadio de la Luz club, including 12 times in the UEFA Champions League, which is also the number of caps he has for his country.

United confirmed on Saturday evening that they have now agreed a fee for the central defender, which is believed to be in the region of £30million. The UEFA Europa League winners will not make further comment until the deal has been wrapped up, but it is understood the 22-year-old will undergo a medical in Manchester next week ahead of signing a contract.

Lindelof, who started all three games for Sweden in last summer’s European Championships, will likely form a central defensive pairing at Old Trafford with Eric Bailly. Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Axel Tuanzebe will provide competition, but the futures of England international duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling will now be cast in some doubt in the coming weeks.

Mourinho was said to be disappointed at the apparent lack of urgency both displayed whilst recovering from injuries last season, particularly as the Reds faced fixture congestion with an already depleted squad. Should the Portuguese coach make it known both are surplus, there is sure to be plenty of interest, with Arsenal showing interest in Smalling in the past.

Meanwhile, whilst Lindelof looks set to become United’s first arrival of the summer, Alvaro Morata is likely to be close behind. It has been reported that, after having an initial bid of £57million bid rejected by Real Madrid, a second offer in the region of £70million has been accepted. The Spanish striker will replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is out of contract and has been released.

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