United in talks to sign £50m-rated Champions League defender

Manchester United have stepped up their interested in Victor Lindelof after opening talks with Benfica over a January move, reports The Daily Record.

Lindelof, 22, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the past but now appears to be firmly on United’s radar with Jose Mourinho determined to strengthen his defence in January.

Mourinho has reportedly been given the green-light by United CEO Ed Woodward to reinforce his options at the back when the transfer window opens in the New Year and the United boss has earmarked Lindelof, who can play at centre-back and right-back, as a potential signing.

However, Benfica are reportedly looking to fetch £50m for the Sweden international, which would make him the joint most expensive defender of all-time, level with former Benfica defender David Luiz, who joined PSG from Chelsea for the same fee in 2014.

Of Benfica players to have featured in more than six Liga NOS matches this season, only Lubomir Fejsa (90%) has a better pass success rate than Lindelof (89.3%).

For more stats on Victor Lindelof, click here to visit his WhoScored player page