Jose Mourinho is likely to face a long wait for Benfica’s talented defender Victor Lindelof, as the Portuguese side has financial disagreement with Swede’s former club Vasteras, the Daily Star reports.
Victor Lindelof, who has made his international debut in March this year, was one of top performers in Rui Vitoria’s squad, making the UEFA Champions League’s ‘breakthrough team of 2016’.
Manchester United were chasing the 22-year-old men for a long period, with the talks on the contract reportedly completed, as the super-agent Jorge Mendes is representing both the player and Jose Mourinho.
The Red Devils were expecting to have Lindelof in their squad in early January, as the first choice centre-back Eric Bailly will leave the club for the African Cup of Nations.
However, the £38m deal is now delayed by Benfica, as Lindelof’s former club Vasteras are demanding a huge payment of €250,000 from the Portuguese champions after the defender has made 10 senior appearances in Portugal’s domestic championship and Champions League. The Swedish 3rd tier club have contacted FIFA’s player’s status committee with an official complaint.
Benfica are refusing to pay the demanded sum, as they have signed a new contract with Lindelof after bringing him to Lisbon in 2012 for €60,000.
Manchester United are now forced to follow the process between the clubs, hoping a green light for the transfer will be given by FIFA soon.