Manchester United agree to sign Swedish defender Victor Lindelof

Jose Mourinho bolsters defence of Manchester United with signing of Swede as they look to build ahead of a tilt at the Premier League title.

Sweden's Victor Lindelof clears the danger against France on June 9, 2017. / AFP
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Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Swedish international centre-back Victor Lindelof from Benfica for €35 million (Dh144m), the Europa League champions announced on Saturday.

“Manchester United is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with Benfica for the transfer of Victor Lindelof, subject to a medical examination, international clearance and personal terms,” United said in a statement.

“A further announcement will be made once the transfer is complete.”

The Portuguese club later confirmed that the deal was worth €35m and also included a €10m bonus.

Lindelof, 22, joined Benfica from hometown club Vasteras in 2012 and has won three Portuguese league titles and two Portuguese Cups during his time in Lisbon.

Lindelof is in line to become the second centre-back signed by United manager Jose Mourinho following last year’s capture of Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly from Villarreal.

Mourinho also has England pair Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at his disposal, along with Argentina international Marcos Rojo, while Dutch utility man Daley Blind has slotted into central defence on occasion.

Lindelof will be United’s first new signing of the close season.

They are also in the market for a striker, having included Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently sidelined by a serious knee injury, on their list of players due to be released on Friday.

* Agence France-Presse

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