Portuguese outlet A Bola believe that Victor Lindelof will join Manchester United this week, despite claims that the Red Devils are no longer interested in the Sweden international.

What’s the story?

Football Soccer - Republic of Ireland v Sweden - EURO 2016 - Group E - Stade de France, Saint-Denis near Paris, France - 13/6/16 
Sweden's Victor Lindelof in action 
REUTERS/John Sibley 
Livepic

In another update regarding the Swede, A Bola reveal that Benfica are somewhat convinced they’ll lose their centre-back to Man United. Indeed, they claim that Lindelof, who was left out of the squad for the Lisbon side’s Taca da Liga (Portugal’s equivalent of the League Cup) win over Pacos de Ferreira last week, will once again be overlooked for the team’s next match in the same competition, vs. Vizela, perhaps hinting that the situation is seen as a problem at the Estadio do Dragao.

Interestingly, A Bola’s report contradicts BBC Sport’s own recent update on the situation, in which they revealed that Jose Mourinho has been impressed enough with Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones to opt against a move.

Do they need him?

As the stats, prior to Benfica’s recent league game vs. Rio Ave, show, he’s been pretty impressive this season. His 89% pass success hints that he would be able to contribute to a forward-thinking Man United team, while 49 clearances and 29 aerial duels won show that he’s useful in his own third.

With Eric Bailly now away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Mourinho’s defensive ranks will be stretched through January and, potentially, into February, and the club would not be happy to lose ground in the top four race as a result of not having the bodies and quality available at the back.

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