Active Man Utd negotiation doubles up to include new name before it’s too late
Man Utd could send a second defender to the same destination as one they have already shipped off, according to reports.
Over recent months, Man Utd have been shaping their squad to be more suitable for Erik ten Hag. Along the way, a few players have been sent away on loan and some of them may never return.
For example, Sevilla took Alex Telles on board for the season back in August. At the time, there was no indication that the move could become permanent. However, after his 15 La Liga appearances so far, the Spaniards may now want to keep him.
And according to Estadio Deportivo, they have also set their sights on another Man Utd defender who could be ready for a change of scenery this summer.
It is claimed that Sevilla have put Victor Lindelof on their shortlist of potential centre-back targets. The Sweden international has only started five Premier League matches since Ten Hag took charge.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have established themselves as Ten Hag’s preferred pairing in the role. Furthermore, there is competition from club captain Harry Maguire, and left-back Luke Shaw has also been used centrally on occasion.
Hence, Lindelof’s value has fallen to around €15million (£13.3m). Consequently, Man Utd might have to cash in on him this summer to cut their losses, before his value drops further.
Given he is only under contract at Old Trafford until 2024, there could be an ideal window of opportunity for Sevilla to sign him. If Man Utd don’t sell him this summer, they would be at risk of losing him for free next year.
Therefore, Estadio Deportivo predicts that Lindelof’s name will come up in talks when Sevilla ask about keeping Telles on a permanent basis. It will probably make sense for Man Utd to let both go if the prices are right.
Man Utd moving on from Lindelof and Telles
In Telles’ position of left-back, he was already behind Shaw in the pecking order. Furthermore, summer signing Tyrell Malacia has given a decent enough account of himself so far to indicate he would be above the Brazilian in the pecking order.
Therefore, despite not including an option for a permanent deal in Telles’ loan, Man Utd will be ready to speak about allowing him to stay in Seville. And Lindelof – who has made 216 appearances since joining them from Benfica in 2017 – could also come into conversation.
Playing in La Liga would be a new challenge for Lindelof. He had only previously played in his native Sweden before his spells in Portugal and England.
At the age of 28, it would be better for him to find somewhere he can play more regularly. Sevilla have been evolving their defence in recent months, so they could view Lindelof as someone to build around.
Despite Sevilla falling below their usual standards this season – they are currently 14th in La Liga – it could be an enticing project for Lindelof to sign up for.
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