Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Victor Lindelof and Ivan Perisic Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to formally announce the signing of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

According to Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha, the 22-year-old will soon sign on the dotted line at Old Trafford in a £35 million deal that will make him the club's first summer signing (via Metro).

Manager Jose Mourinho is expected to spend big in the transfer window after a largely disappointing Premier League campaign in the 2016/17 season, starting by shoring up his back line.

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Metro reported that Lindelof came close to joining United in January but that Mourinho decided he was satisfied with his resources and could wait until the summer.

That allowed Benfica to renegotiate Lindelof's contract, enabling them to put a bumper sell-on clause in his new deal. Despite that, it'll be money well spent by United if he does join the club.

Although still a young player, Lindelof has shown leadership quality during his time with Benfica and backed that up with sterling performances. Good in the air and an expert distributor, the Swede could become a United great.

Here's a look at what he could bring to the table at Old Trafford:

Lindelof has gained plenty of admirers for his performances in recent years, including compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Back in December, the mercurial frontman said the defender is more than good enough to join one of the big boys:

"He is growing. He has a lot of responsibility with the national team now. Is he good enough for United? I think he is ready for the big clubs out there. It is up to him what he wants and what the situation says. Whatever he chooses, it will be good for him. I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice for him."

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Lindelof's arrival would raise questions about the futures of those already at United, with the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones looking surplus to requirements should the Swede touch down.

Elsewhere, United have hit a snag in their pursuit of Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic.

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Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport said that despite reports stating United had agreed a £45 million deal for the Croatian, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have stepped in to try to lure him from their clutches (via Metro).

The report also noted that Inter haven't accepted a £45 million offer and would accept offers from elsewhere.

This summer is one of the most important in recent Manchester United history. Earning a place in next season's Champions League means the Red Devils' big-club draw is back at full strength, allowing Mourinho to spend freely in the transfer market.

But it's signing the right players that's all important. Mourinho knows what he needs, and kicking off business with Lindelof would be a great start.