Fenerbahce are ready to bid for Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof this month, according to Fanatik.
Manager Jose Mourinho has asked the club to make a move for Lindelof. United are unlikely to recoup much of the £31 million they paid Benfica to sign him in 2017.
He worked with him during his time as United’s manager, and a reunion between the duo may not be far away.
Fenerbahce have the best defence in the Turkish Super Lig this season, conceding 15 goals in 16 games.
However, they have conceded nine goals in six games in the Europa League, and Mourinho is keen to strengthen his defensive options.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered by defender Rodrigo Becao may also have influenced their decision to move for Lindelof.
The Swedish international is unwanted by United, and the club are ready to let him leave this month.
He has been limited to nine appearances across all competitions this season. He started in the League Cup quarter-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur but was taken off due to injury.
The Red Devils want to cut their wage bill to help keep a distance from reaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit. This would allow them to sign new players.
Lindelof earns £120,000-per-week and his departure would help United in the transfer market.
This is also the best time to dispose of the 30-year-old. His contract ends next summer, meaning United risk losing him for free.
Man United do not need an immediate replacement for Lindelof
United will have Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez as central defensive options if Lindelof leaves.
Noussair Mazraoui has also played as one of the centre-backs in manager Ruben Amorim’s three-man defensive system. This means United do not have to replace Lindelof immediately.
The Red Devils must be innovative by signing players in positions that need strengthening.
Strengthening at left wing-back should be the priority. Diogo Dalot has struggled in that position, while Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are unreliable.
Lindelof’s departure would leave a hole in the squad, but it does not need immediate attention.
Stats from transfermarkt.com.
