Manchester United Transfer News: Victor Lindelof Deal Expected, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Benfica centre-back Victor Lindelof in the January transfer window, with discussions said to have taken place between the two clubs. 

Sky Sports News HQ relayed the details:

Additionally, according to Record (h/t Sport Witness), the defender is set to make the switch to Old Trafford after a package was agreed worth up to €45 million (£38 million). Sport Witness add that A Bola have also reported Lindelof is “on the way" to United, with Benfica set to receive a record transfer fee.

The defender has been one of the most impressive players in Portuguese football in 2016, and, as such, it’s no surprise that plenty tied to the Red Devils are excited by the prospect of him arriving at the club. Here is a glimpse of what he can offer:

United’s defensive setup has been the topic of much debate since Jose Mourinho took charge at the club.

Red Devils fans are in agreement that summer signing Eric Bailly is very much the future of the position, having turned in some peerless displays this term. However, the player who partners him—and whether they are good enough—is a lot less clear.

Indeed, with Bailly injured in recent weeks, Mourinho has turned to the previously odd couple of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. Per sports journalist Musa Okwonga, the pair have complemented each other well during United’s recent positive run of form:

However, there are doubts over whether either Jones or Rojo—not to mention Chris Smalling or Daley Blind—have what’s required to lead a title-winning side in the long term. Lindelof, 22, is commanding, composed and still improving, and he could do so alongside someone like Bailly.

The sums mentioned are hefty for a defender who's not played in English football before, but the Sweden international has showcased all the traits needed to suggest he could go to the top of the game. United will be hoping he can make a big impression in 2017 should he join in January.

Serie A Giants Chase Marouane Fellaini

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According to Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail, Inter Milan and AC Milan are weighing up a January move for United man Marouane Fellaini.

It’s stated the Belgium international is looking for a whopping weekly wage of £110,000 if he is to leave Old Trafford, although both clubs are said to be happy to match those demands. United are reportedly not ready to offer the midfielder a new contract; he has 18 months to run on his current deal.

Since joining the club from Everton in 2013, Fellaini has done little to endear himself to the United fanbase. The 29-year-old has regularly looked lost in the red shirt and was recently booed by his own supporters after conceding a late penalty against the Toffees in a 1-1 draw.

However, as noted by Kris Voakes of Goal, there are still some sections of the United fanbase that retain support for the player:

While Fellaini can be a useful player in both boxes due to his build, if the Red Devils want to start challenging for major honours again, they need to raise the standard of the squad above his level. The Belgian is poor technically and doesn’t possess the cerebral instincts to nail down a spot in the middle of the park.

Given those qualities have long been associated with success in Serie A, it’d be fascinating to see how Fellaini would fare in the Italian top flight. If he did depart, it’s unlikely too many United fans would lament his sale for long.