Man United could beat Middlesbrough to signature of Benfica ace
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Middlesbrough’s place in next season’s Premier League is confirmed, but one thing far less certain is how their pursuit of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof will end – with north-west giants Manchester United keen to swoop for the Swedish international.
In January, Boro believed a deal was done for the Encarnados defender, with his arrival on Teesside seemingly imminent.
However, the deal fell through, and though Aitor Karanka is reportedly still keen on the 21-year-old, his displays for club and country in 2016 have seen his value – and the number of interested suitors – multiply.
Having caught the eye on the big stage, most notably in Benfica’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in last month’s Champions League tie, the Red Devils appear keen on acting swiftly.
Reports claim the Portuguese side would be happy to part company with their rising star for the sum of £20m.
With the player having been named in Erik Hamren’s provisional Sweden squad for Euro 2016, Louis van Gaal would be wise to get his credit card out soon, before the player’s value potentially skyrockets again.
Sweden are in Group E this summer, alongside Italy, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland.
It’s 6/1 that the Scandinavian outfit top the pile, with 7/10 that they qualify from the group and 9/1 that they reach the Quarter-Finals, but no further.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
