The_Guardian_-_2016-12-29

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Manchester United
Manchester United shun Benfica’s Victor
Lindelof after defence improves
• Talks over Sweden defender were in progress for several weeks
• United have conceded only two goals in a winning run of five games
Benfica’s Sweden defender Victor Lindelof has a £38m release clause in his contract. Photograph:
McManus/BPI/REX/Shutterstock
Manchester United have opted against making a move for the Benfica defender Victor Lindelof after
José Mourinho decided he is satisfied with his defensive options despite the prospect of losing Eric
Bailly for up to six weeks due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Negotiations with the Portuguese champions over the Sweden international Lindelof have been
continuing for several weeks and reports in Portugal said a deal worth more than £30m was close to
being agreed. United were keen to purchase the 22-year-old to add depth to Mourinho’s squad
although they were reluctant to meet his €45m (£38m) release clause.
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But Mourinho’s side have now won five games in a row – while conceding only two goals – and the
Portuguese has decided to stick with the central defenders he already has at his disposal. Phil Jones
and Marcos Rojo have struck up a solid partnership in central defence and Mourinho can also count
on Bailly, Chris Smalling and Daley Blind in that position when they are fit.
Smalling is currently out injured while Bailly has just returned to training from the knock picked up at
Crystal Palace on 14 December.