Benfica defender Victor Lindelof has signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United ahead of a move over the summer, according to reports. It was reported over the January transfer window that Jose Mourinho and the club board would decide over whether to move for the Swedish international. The deal was initially placed on hold following a disagreement between Benfica and Vasteras, Lindelof’s old club, who are entitled to 20% of the 22-year-old’s next transfer fee. A required outstanding payment of €250,000 has also served to further hamper negotiations.

However, following the resolution of this issue, it has been claimed by Calcio Mercato that Lindelof has signed an agreement with Man United. It became clear over the January transfer window that the capture of Lindelof was being meticulously planned. Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay were sold for a combined fee of £38m, which also happens to be the fee Benfica have demanded of United.

Mourinho has always placed emphasis on securing his deals quickly over the summer, and Lindelof serves as another case in point. The Portuguese will want to ensure that the youngster, who once again dazzled during Benfica’s 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund last week, arrives at Carrington before pre-season in similar fashion to Eric Bailly. And United fans will hope to see him replicate similar early heroics upon his arrival.