Manchester City are said to be weighing up a move for Benfica star Victor Lindelof from under the noses of fierce rivals Manchester United.
Manchester United were strongly linked with a move for the player in the January transfer window but the form of the other central defenders in the squad made the need less urgent.
And that missed opportunity may play into the hands of Manchester City according to British media outlet, Talksport:
Manchester City could HIJACK Manchester United’s long-term pursuit of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof
Manchester City’s central defensive problems have been well publicised and despite spending huge money on that area of their squad it still feels like a work in progress. Their ultimately victorious Champions League encounter with Monaco last week once again exposed weaknesses in the defence and something of a soft centre.
And it’s easy to see why Manchester United and Manchester City would be keen on the brilliant Lindelof. Even at 22 he seems to tick all the boxes for the perfect modern centre back.
He’s quick, strong and authoritative in the air and on the ground. He scores goals and is a superb tackler. But his distribution is also as good as that of many a top midfielder. He plays the game with the sort of elegance of Rio Ferdinand and is perhaps even more adventurous than the England legend in terms of coming forward with the ball at his feet.
Manchester City fans: is Lindelof the answer or is he too similar to John Stones?