January’s transfer window feels a little quiet, from a Manchester United perspective. Sure, there’s speculation regarding the futures of both Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay, with both players expected to leave the club either during this month or in the summer, but in terms of potential incomings, things have been relatively quiet. The only names that have cropped up this month are Patrice Evra, which certainly has a romantic element and Benfica’s Victor Lindelof.
Rumours of United bidding big for the Swedish defender’s services started at the end of last year, but appear to have died down a little since news broke of United’s lack of willingness to pay over the odds. According to Sport Witness, who quote Portuguese outlet Record, that’s still the current situation.
Apparently, whilst Benfica are keen to capitalise on the interest surrounding their young defender and increase his buyout clause to €60m, United don’t wish to spend more than €30m on Lindelof. Perhaps this is a shrewd move from the club, given that they have frequently overpaid for players in the past, and with reports confirming that Jose Mourinho is currently satisfied with his defensive options, maybe the club’s lack of willingness to raise their offer points towards diminishing interest. Certainly, the form of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo has given everyone connected to the club pause for thought, with both in arguably the most consistent form during their time at United.
Given that the club isn’t linked with many players this January, you can expect this particular story to run on for the rest of the transfer window.
