Man Utd face Roma fight for Benfica defender

Manchester United will reportedly have to fend off strong competition from AS Roma in order to Benfica defender Victor Lindelof in the summer.

The Sweden international had been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford last winter before Jose Mourinho opted otherwise owing to the form of Marcus Rojo and Phil Jones.

According to The Mirror, United are willing to pay just £25m for the central defender, which is some £10m short of Benfica's valuation of their asset.

And this has put Roma on the front foot to sign the 22-year-old as they are prepared to pay a fee close to £30m in order to prise away the versatile star from Lisbon.

Lindelof has already established himself as a regular with the Sweden national side, and his performances have drawn comparisons with former United ace Nemanja Vidic.

The young defender is also capable of featuring at right-back in addition to his regular central defensive position, and his qualities appear to have impressed his suitors.

United still have the opportunity of luring the highly-rated defender, but for this, the club will have to raise their initial bid to at least £30m.