Bailly the man to partner Lindelof as Mourinho weighs up United options

Sunderland midfielder Larsson believes that Sweden worldwide teammate Lindelof, who boasted the best passing stats of any defender in the Portuguese top flight this season, is good enough to make his mark at Old Trafford in the years to come.

Manchester United are at the verge of completing their first summer signing and it seems to be in one of Mourinho’s key areas, defense.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfelder Ray Wilkins slammed Jose Mourinho after he chose to end interest in Burnley defender Michael Keane and sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica.

Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica for 35million euros.

United will complete the signing of Sweden’s Victor Lindelof in the next 24 hours, leaving Smalling surplus to requirements.

According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, an agreement was reached over the winter in which Vasteras would receive €3m regardless of whether Lindelof was sold, plus an additional payment of around €2m if the deal went through. They have agreed a £30.7 million deal for the 22-year-old defender.

Manchester United have reportedly emerged as frontrunners to sign AS Monaco player Fabinho as the Reds look to bolster their midfield ahead of the new Premier League season.

Lindelof moved to Benfica in December 2011 and has won three Primeira Liga titles, two Taca de Portugal trophies and the Taca da Liga during his time at Estadio da Luz.

He has since enjoyed a stellar run of form, helping Burnley establish themselves in the top flight after immediately winning promotion back to the Premier League.

Mourinho may want to bring in a striker to replace the departing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the Portuguese identified United’s defence as a key area for improvement at the turn of the year following lackadaisical performances from Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

Lindelof made 47 appearances for the Portuguese side last season, helping them win a domestic league and cup double, BBC reports.