Jose Mourinho now wants to sign United star who played 53 minutes vs Aston Villa - report

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is closely working with the club’s sporting director over a potential deal for Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, according to Sabah.

The Sweden international was regularly linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer and it was claimed that he could be reunited with Mourinho in Istanbul.

However, a transfer did not materialise in the end. The 30-year-old picked up a toe injury during pre-season and he only returned to the bench in late September.

Lindelof made his first appearance of the campaign against Aston Villa. He replaced Noussair Mazraoui in the right-back position following the half-time interval and played 53 minutes.

It is now reported that Mourinho and Fenerbahce’s sporting director Mario Branco are working on possible targets and Lindelof is reportedly on the radar.

They are closely monitoring his situation as his contract expires next summer. Fenerbahce will be free to negotiate with the Swede over a pre-contract in January.

There is no indication whether the club want him this winter or will wait until the end of the season.

Lindelof most likely to leave on a free transfer

United have had a tough time with defensive injuries over the past 18 months and the trend has continued.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are yet to be fit which has forced the manager to play Diogo Dalot from the left side of the defence from the start of the season.

Lindelof only recently returned from the sidelines, but the club are now without Harry Maguire. He is out for the next few weeks after a calf issue last weekend.

Leny Yoro has yet to make his competitive debut after suffering a foot injury in pre-season.

In our view, United are unlikely to entertain Lindelof’s exit at the midway stage of the campaign, considering the need for depth in case of untimely injuries.

Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have also been injury-prone in recent times and the club can’t afford to weaken the squad in the next transfer window.

If Lindelof has his sights on reuniting with former United boss Mourinho, he may have to wait for a free transfer next summer. A pre-contract can be agreed from January.

United are most likely to invest on another young centre-back next summer.

Stats from Sofascore.com