08 October 2023 , 05:30
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Manchester United are primed to trigger an extension in Victor Lindelof's contract but could still cash in on the centre-back as soon as January.
Lindelof joined United from Benfica in 2017 and signed a contract extension two years later. He has since lost his starting spot, though, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez the preferred partnership for manager Erik ten Hag.
United have an option to extend the Sweden international's deal for a further year, and according to The Star they are preparing to do just that. However, rather than using it as a precursor to a longer stay for the 29-year-old, it is said to be a way fro United to recoup a healthier fee when they sell Lindelof, be that in January or over the summer.
As things stand, Lindelof would be free to speak to other clubs in January with a view to a summer switch. Inter Milan have previously shown an interest in the defender, while fellow Serie A sides Juventus and AC Milan are also reportedly keen.
United are said to believe they could recoup a fee in the region of £15m for Lindelof. This would still represent a significant decrease on the £30m they spent to sign him during Jose Mourinho's tenure.
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Lindelof has played all over the back-line for United, helping out Ten Hag during the latest injury crisis. He started at left-back in Saturday's victory over Brentford, but had been sacrificed by the manager before two late Scott McTominay goals turned defeat into victory.
Does Victor Lindelof have a future at Manchester United? Have your say in the comments section
Victor Lindelof has been in and out of the Manchester United team (AFP via Getty Images)Defeat against Brentford would have made it three straight home defeats for United, but McTominay came to the rescue. After the game, Ten Hag hailed the Scotland star, who came close to leaving Old Trafford over the summer.
"He is Manchester United in his heart," the Dutchman said, per The BBC. "He is playing for the badge and gives his life. When you are coming on and giving this to the team it tells a lot.
"Every player has a price - but he has a big value, sporting and also economic. I want to have a player like Scott McTominay in the squad.
"He is Manchester United in every way. In every minute he will fight for the match. Those players you need."
United's victory kept them 10th in the Premier League after Saturday's games, but failure to take all three points would have seen them drop below Chelsea and Fulham after the London sides both won. Brentford are down in 14th after taking just seven points from their eight matches.