Manchester United will welcome new signing Victor Lindelof to the club’s Carrington training facilities for the first time on Wednesday as the Swede arrives to undergo a medical and finalise the details of his high profile move from Benfica.
United announced news of a deal, believed to be worth £30m rising to £35m, on Saturday, subject to the aforementioned medical and personal terms.
Lindelof was unavailable to take those final steps at the time as a result of international duty, but it is believed he began his journey to England after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Norway – a game which the 22-year-old sat out as an unused substitute.
With the player expected at Carrington on Wednesday morning, fans remain hopeful that a first unveiling of the summer could take place before the end of the day. If not on Wednesday, then Thursday is likely before Lindelof begins his summer holiday.
His arrival might not be good news for everyone at United, however, with renewed speculation that Chris Smalling could well be sold to make way.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Jose Mourinho has doubts over whether Smalling is good enough and is set to make the England international available for transfer at as little as £15m.
That is said to have peaked the interest of Everton, West Ham and West Brom, all of whom are thought to be keeping an eye on the situation as they chase a new centre-back. Other tabloid rumours have also linked Arsenal with a possible approach.
Despite often captaining United under Louis van Gaal and being voted the club’s Players’ Player of the Year by his colleagues in 2015/16, Smalling has struggled to impress Mourinho, especially after suffering a number of injury problems during the boss’ debut season.
Eric Bailly and Lindelof is expected to be the preferred centre-back pairing next season. Marcos Rojo isn’t due to return to action from a long-term injury in January, but Phil Jones will continue to standby as a back-up, while Daley Blind remains another versatile cover option.
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