The last thing Jose Mourinho wants this summer is a transfer tug-of-war with old club Chelsea.
That’s exactly what he’s going to get, though, according to the Mirror, as Manchester United continue to chase Victor Lindelof.
It initially looked like the Benfica defender was set to join this January, but a potential deal has now been pushed back to the end of the season.
The Swede is attracting plenty of interest across Europe, and Antonio Conte is among his admirers as he looks for a long-term replacement for John Terry at centre-half.
The 22-year-old is expected to cost £38million, but that could rise if Chelsea spark a bidding war with United and Lindelof’s other suitors, Inter Milan.
Benfica’s financial difficulties suggest they will let the rising star go.
It may be hard for United to lure him if they miss out on Champions League football again, whereas Chelsea are on course to win the Premier League.
Mourinho wants a solid partner for Eric Bailly at the back, as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have both suffered regular injury problems.
Conte, meanwhile, would have to disrupt his current back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, and Gary Cahill to make room for Lindelof were he to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
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