Man United rule out January departure for Victor Lindelof

Manchester United have moved to block any moves for Victor Lindelof amid speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Lindelof has been overlooked for most parts of the season, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire ahead of him in the pecking order.

Erik ten Hag has also sometimes preferred Luke Shaw, naturally a left-back, at centre-back ahead of the former Benfica man.

Lindelof has started just four Premier League games so far this season, leading to speculation that the Swedish defender could seal a last-minute move away from United this month.

However, United will reportedly not sanction any kind of deal that would see the 28-year-old leave the club in the last days of the transfer window.

The club have made this decision per the request of Ten Hag, who still reportedly counts on the defender who has made 15 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions this season.

Serie A giants Inter Milan who are bracing up for the impending departure of Milan Skriniar, have pinpointed Lindelof as a possible replacement for the Slovakian.

Atletico Madrid have also registered interest in the Sweden international as they search for defensive reinforcements. But both clubs will have to look elsewhere in their quest to sign a defender.

United do not plan on letting Lindelof go as Ten Hag wants to avoid being light on defensive cover as his side competes across four different tournaments.

Lindelof was regarded as one of the best defensive talents to come out of Benfica’s academy before joining United in 2017. He has since managed three goals and six assists in 211 appearances for the Red Devils.

While the club are keen on keeping him this month, barring any drastic changes to his playing time, a summer move could be on the cards for any interested suitors.