Manchester United edge closer to January move for £38million rated Victor Lindelof after Benfica talks

Manchester United moved a step closer to signing £38million rated Benfica defender Victor Lindelof on Monday after a delegation from the Portuguese club flew to England for talks.

Old Trafford chief Ed Woodward was in Manchester to open negotiations with the Benfica party over a deal for Lindelhof in the January transfer window.

Manager Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen in central defence despite the impact made by £30m summer signing Eric Bailly – who will be on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations next month – and return to form and fitness of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in recent weeks.

Benfica defender Victor Lindelof has emerged as a £38million target for Manchester United

Eric Bailly (right) will be missing for United in January as he travels to the Africa Cup of Nations

United scouts have made regular checks on Lindelof, 22, this season but Mourinho is aware that other European clubs are also tracking the Sweden international and wants to sign him now rather than wait until the summer.

Benfica would rather keep Lindelof after qualifying stage for the knockout stage of the Champions League and are demanding £38m for a player who has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe since moving to Portugal from Swedish club Vasteras in 2012.

United have also been linked with Southampton's Jose Fonte but Lindelof has emerged as their No.1 target.

Jose Fonte has been linked with United following his contract dispute with Southampton