Victor sparks United spree
VICTOR LINDELOF yesterday signed for Manchester United in a £31m deal – and striker Alvaro Morata is set to follow.
Swedish defender Lindelof has sealed a four-year deal at Old Trafford after wrapping up his move from Benfica.
The 22-year-old (right) is Jose Mourinho’s first summer signing.
The United boss will partner Lindelof with Eric Bailly in a central defence ravaged by injury problems over the last 12 months.
Mourinho said: “Victor is a very talented young player who has a great future ahead of him at United.
“Our season last year showed us that we need options and quality to add depth to the squad and Victor is
the first to join us this summer. I know that our fantastic group of players will welcome him as one of us.”
Lindelof said: “I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United.
“I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot there.
“But I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old Trafford and for Jose Mourinho and make my contribution to the team’s efforts to win more trophies.”
Real Madrid’s Morata is Mourinho’s chief target up front after hopes of signing Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann ended.
United are hopeful of talking down Real from their £78m valuation to get a deal done for around £65m. His agent Juanma Lopez was meeting with Real officials last night in a bid to push the transfer closer to completion.
The Spain international wants the move because of his good relationship with Mourinho and the offer of regular games in the Champions League.
Mourinho brought Morata through the ranks at Real, giving him a senior debut as an 18-year-old in 2010.