Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been very firm in his treatment of players. While he has rewarded hard-working players with increased opportunities, a few players have found chances hard to come by unlike in previous seasons.
Currently, the Dutchman seems to have found his strongest team and that team does not include the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
Both have been targeted by Inter Milan in this January transfer window as they desperately try to find an alternative for star defender Milan Skriniar.
Inter want Lindelof as Skriniar replacement
As reported by The Peoples Person, approaches for both centre-backs have been rebuffed by United but the Nerazzurri still seem desperate to land the Swede this transfer window.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have shortlisted three defenders in case the Slovak does end up joining Paris Saint-Germain in January.
Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah leads the list but the operation has been complicated due to his regular involvement for the Blues under Graham Potter.
🔴💥 Inter see Man Utd’s Victor Lindelof as one of the candidates to replace PSG-bound Milan Skriniar. A move remains complicated because of United’s reluctance to loan the player out. #MUFC #InterMilan@DiMarzio pic.twitter.com/piVDYK8Eyf
— Boateng Richmond (@RichBoat_01) January 28, 2023
Lindelof’s name appears next and the report claims that United have already said no to any loan deal as Ten Hag does not want to lose players ahead of a crucial second-half of the season.
But both clubs are still in contact and a permanent exit cannot still be ruled out.
Permanent exit cannot be ruled out
“The first is that of the Swede Victor Lindelof of Manchester United. Inter asked the Red Devils on loan, but received a closure in exchange.
“It’s not over, the talks go on, even if United would be willing to negotiate only for a definitive deal,” the report added.
Lindelof has started in United’s last two cup games against Nottingham Forest and Reading and Ten Hag seems to prefer the Sweden international as a backup option to his preferred partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
With games coming thick and fast, it is not prudent to lose a player this January due to the injury history of Varane. Lindelof still has a huge part to play this season.
An exit should ideally be left for next summer when United are sure to strengthen at the back once again.
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