Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is expected to leave the club after eight years and the 30-year-old has spoken out about his future while on international duty with Sweden
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Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof is out of contract at the end of the season
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof has insisted he is "very comfortable" at Old Trafford, but admitted he is planning to hold talks about his future. Lindelof has been at United for eight years, having joined the club from Benfica in 2017.
However, he is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to be part of a major squad overhaul under Ruben Amorim as he looks to put his stamp on the team. Lindelof is currently away on international duty with Sweden and was quizzed about his future.
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"I'm very comfortable in United," Lindelof said, as per the PA News Agency. "I've been there for a long time and it's the world's best league. I'll have to talk to everyone involved going forward."
His comments come after BBC Sport reported earlier this month that Benfica were interested in re-signing the 30-year-old. Lindelof joined Benfica as a teenage prospect and spent five years at the club before United spent around £31million to bring him to England.
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It is claimed that Benfica want Lindelof to replace former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, who remains a key player for Bruno Lage's side at the age of 37. And Lindelof has admitted that Benfica still has a special place in his heart.
"Benfica as a club means a lot to me," Lindelof added to Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV. "It's the club that made me the player I am today. I don't know what will happen and what my decision will be.
"But it's a club that means a lot to me and a club that I like. I don't only have myself to think about. It's a decision we have to make together as a family."
Lindelof has made just two Premier League starts so far this season and has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Victor Lindelof in action for Benfica
Benfica are said to be interested in re-signing Lindelof
And United are also looking to strengthen their backline next summer, with reports claiming that the club have made Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite their top target. Branthwaite was targeted by United last summer, but they ultimately failed to meet Everton's demands.
However, they are said to be ready to pay their asking price this summer. Branthwaite, though, will be hoping United can qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League as the 22-year-old is said to believe that playing European football will help him win a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England plans.
Branthwaite was surprisingly overlooked for Tuchel's first Three Lions squad, prompting Everton boss David Moyes to say: "I don't pick the England squad, so I can only say if you're looking at the last six or seven weeks Jarrad Branthwaite would be up there playing as well as any English centre-half in the country.
"But the big thing he needs to do? Go and play for England Under-21s and be the best player again, and then he gets selected again. That's the instructions I've been giving him – go and show what you can do for the 21s and Lee Carsley will pass good information back to the manager and hopefully it will get you back in."
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