Serie A club 'working' on agreement for Man Utd defender as Ten Hag makes transfer admission
The latest transfer talk from Manchester United as a defender is linked with a move to Italy.
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is reportedly expected to leave Old Trafford before the summer transfer window comes to an end later this month.
The Sweden international joined the Red Devils from Portuguese giants Benfica in a reported £28m deal during the summer of 2017 and has gone on to become an FA Cup winner and Carabao Cup winner as well as appearing in the Europa League Final defeat against Villarreal in 2021. In total, Lindelof has made over 250 appearances for the 13-time Premier League champions but was not in the squad for Friday’s Premier League win against Fulham.
Reports over the summer have suggested the defender is a target for former United manager Jose Mourinho, who is now in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce. However, the latest reports in Italy have stated Fiorentina are considering a move for Lindelof and are ‘working to understand the possible conditions’ of a deal with United.
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio wrote: “Fiorentina have set their sights on Lindelof. The player still has a year of contract with Manchester United, a club with which he has a salary of 3 million euros. At the moment, Fiorentina are working to understand the possible conditions of exit and a contribution to the salary at Manchester United.”
Meanwhile, United continue to be linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and speculation over a possible deal was further increased when the Uruguay international was absent from their squad for Friday night’s 4-1 win at Le Havre. United manager Erik ten Hag has already spent around £140m this summer after securing the services of Lille defender Leny Yoro, Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee and Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraroui.
A midfielder is believed to be next on the agenda for Ten Hag as he looks to build a squad capable of securing major silverware for the third consecutive season after his side lifted the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his first two seasons in charge at Old Trafford. Ten Hag admitted he is ‘happy’ with the present state of his squad but warned United can’t afford to stand still as they look to improve once again this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Friday night’s win against Fulham, the United boss said: “We can't stand still. It depends what happens in the market, but I am happy with the squad and I think when we have this squad, I am quite confident ahead of the new season."