Manchester United Transfer News: Agent Weighs In on Victor Lindelof Rumours

Rumours linking Benfica star Victor Lindelof with a host of top clubs, including Manchester United, continue to intensify. The Swede's agent has now weighed in on the matter, admitting the interest is real but emphasising that the defender is enjoying his time in Portugal.

As reported by the Sun's Wally Downes Jr., United and AC Milan have both been linked with the 22-year-old, while the Daily Mirror (h/t Calciomercato) added Juventus and Inter Milan to the list.

His agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has now confirmed that his client is a wanted man, per Downes Jr.:

"

I do not want to comment on various clubs but there is concrete interest from some of the largest in Europe.

Vigge (his nickname back in Sweden) is really enjoy it [sic] at Benfica.

At the same time, as I have said before, there is no smoke without fire when it comes to many clubs being interested in him. But Victor is focused on Benfica.

"

Lindelof moved to Portugal in 2012 and has since become one of Europe's best young defenders, playing a crucial role for Benfica. This season, he's been a rock in defence for the Portuguese giants, who have looked nearly unstoppable in domestic play.

According to Calciomercato, United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already spoken out on his compatriot, backing him to make the move to Old Trafford. His contract is said to include a €30 million (£25.5 million) release clause, a minor fee for a club like United.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The £25.5 million fee could pose a problem for some of Serie A's biggest clubs, per Calciomercato, as the Italians are said to be unwilling to spend so much money on a player who is unproven outside of the Portuguese league.

Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato's Nicola Balice) reported that Juventus would rather add a cost-effective option like Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, eliminating one top contender for Lindelof's services.

United invested in their defence during the summer, bringing Eric Bailly into the fold, but an unfortunate injury for the former Villarreal man highlighted that more help is needed.

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Bailly will also take part in the African Cup of Nations in January, meaning the Red Devils will once again be without arguably their top defender. Chris Smalling remains a regular for manager Jose Mourinho, but he hasn't been at his best this season and can't do it on his own.

Adding a talented, young defender who could potentially pair with Bailly for years to come should be a top priority for Mourinho, and Lindelof's fixed price tag makes him an intriguing option.

While he's loving life in Portugal, it should still be easier to bring the Swede to Old Trafford than someone like Jose Maria Gimenez, who is playing UEFA Champions League football with Atletico Madrid. Benfica are also still active in the competition, but their chances of winning the Old Big Ears are much smaller.

A summer move seems more likely, however―especially should Benfica fail to qualify for the knockout stages and drop into the UEFA Europa league. An ideal January signing would be a replacement for Bailly in January, and Lindelof may not be able to be that man.