Football
Exclusive: Former Manchester United Defender Victor Lindelof Wanted By Aston Villa And West Ham
Former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is sought after by Aston Villa and West Ham after announcing his departure. Despite interest from Everton and Burnley, Villa and West Ham see a free transfer as a bargain. Lindelof reflects on his time at United after playing 284 games and winning multiple trophies.
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League by Ash Donelon | Getty Images
Former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is wanted by Aston Villa and West Ham, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Villa and the Hammers have both been keeping tabs on the experienced Sweden international centre-back after it was announced he was leaving Old Trafford this summer.
He has previously been linked with a move to Everton and Burnley, as well as rumours top European clubs are interested in signing him.
United decided against offering Sweden skipper Lindelof, 30, a new contract as boss Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad after the club’s worst-ever season in the Premier League.
His contract expires today and, although he commands a wage of £120,000 a week, a free transfer provides a attractive deal to both Villa and West Ham as they look to land a bargain in the transfer window.
“I’ve had so many good memories here,” reflected Lindelof, after news officially broke that he would be leaving United after eight seasons at the club.
“I’m leaving as a player, but I will always be a fan. I wish nothing but the best for the guys and everyone around the club.
"I am proud of myself. It's been a lot of ups and down, but for me to be able to represent this club for eight years, it's been an honour and a privilege, and a dream come true."
TRIO OF OLD TRAFFORD EXITS
Lindelof joined Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans as high-profile exits from Old Trafford this summer.
And having played 284 times for the Red Devils, it’s little surprise Premier League interest has grown in trying to sign the player.
Lindelof joined United from Benfica in the summer of 2017 and won the Emirates FA Cup and League Cup in his time with the club.
The 71-cap international was also twice a Europa League runner-up with United and has 194 Premier League games under his belt.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.