Man City to rival United for Benfica defender

Manchester City are deemed to have joined Manchester United in the pursuit of highly-rated Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

The Sweden international had been tipped to join Jose Mourinho's side during the winter period but the manager thought otherwise, after the impressive form of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.

The Sun claims that the Citizens have expressed their interest in signing the versatile defender, who can feature at either centre-back or right-back.

Benfica has been stalling over a final transfer fee with United for Lindelof, but the club still hold a significant advantage over the Citizens having started negotiations at the turn of the year.

The Primeira Liga outfit are currently holding on a £50m sum for their asset which is some £10m more than United are willing to offer.

Lindelof, 22, has appeared in over 50 outings for the Portuguese champions since making himself a regular under Rui Vitória last term.