Victor Lindelof is on the verge of signing for a Premier league club on a free transfer, just three months after leaving Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho signed the centre-back from Benfica back in 2017 for a fee just over £30m and he would go on to spend the next eight years at Old Trafford.
In all, he made 284 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but spent the last few years as a back-up option for Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
In his final season, just 12 of his 25 appearances came from the start and he was released upon the expiry of his contract alongside Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans, with the latter promptly retiring.
It was said that Lindelof hoped to return to Benfica but, as reported by The Athletic, the 31-year-old is now in advanced talks to sign for Aston Villa.
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Unai Emery is keen to add defensive reinforcements to his squad as they look balance the rigours of the playing in the Premier League and Europa League.
The Villans did make an offer to sign highly-rated teenager Jaydee Canvot but the Toulouse starlet is now set to join Crystal Palace for £23m, which in turn could facilitate Marc Guehi’s move to Liverpool.
Villa’s transfer plans have been restricted by PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) this summer, with £26m Evann Guessand the only big money signing.
The arrival of an experienced star like Lindelof for free would present good business therefore and be a boost for Villa who have failed to win their opening two games of the season.
It should also be a good move for the 71 cap Sweden international who will no doubt want to play at the highest level possible in a World Cup year.
Emery’s side host Palace on Sunday night in their last game before deadline day and the international break.
Should Lindelof complete the move to Villa Park, he could make his debut for his new side on September 13 when they travel to Everton.
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