Thursday, December 22, 2016

Benfica coach admits club are prepared for Victor Lindelof sale

Benfica will
Benfica will 'find solutions' if Victor Lindelof leaves, according to manager Rui Vitoria

Manchester United's proposed signing of Victor Lindelof has not been ruled out by Benfica coach, Rui Vitoria.

United have held initial discussions __with Benfica over a £38m move for defender Lindelof, despite the club having been reluctant to sell after qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League. 

Lindelof's representative Hasan Cetinkaya confirmed on Wednesday that "there is an offer on the table" for his client, but would not be drawn on specific clubs.

Jose Mourinho says he would only bring a maximum of one player to Manchester United in January
Jose Mourinho says he would only bring a maximum of one player to Manchester United in January

Cetinkaya told Swedish newspaper paper Aftonbladet: "We have to think about things carefully. Victor is young, he's already playing at a club which is fighting for titles and are through in the Champions League. He has a key role at the club and one has to be careful and think things through. We have to think about what is right for him right now."

Benfica manager Vitoria has now also indicated a move could happen for the 22-year-old, after admitting the club would be able to respond should the defender depart. 

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"If it happens to a player we will be prepared and we will find solutions," said Vitoria ahead of Benfica's game against Rio Ave on Wednesday.

"There is always the prospect of someone leaving and it does not have implications on our work.

Mourinho says he would sign a contract extension   Manchester United if he was offered one
Mourinho says he would sign a contract extension __with Manchester United if he was offered one

"It could be anyone. Many of them have a lot of quality and are attractive in the market, especially at their age." 

Lindelof helped Benfica win the Portuguese title after breaking into the side in January and played in all three of Sweden's games in Euro 2016 alongside Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.