Ibrahimovic wants Man Utd star 'at all costs'

Cameron Smith

• 8 Oct 2024 20:30 BST
• 3 min read

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants AC Milan to sign Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof “at all costs,” according to reports in Italy.

The Sweden international, who made his first appearance of the season during Man Utd’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, is out of contract in 2025 and Milan are hoping to sign him on a free transfer.

The Serie A giants signed Strahinja Pavlovic from RB Salzburg for €18 million during the summer window, but the Serbian has only started three Serie A matches this season and he has been an unused substitute in each of their last three games in all competitions.

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As a result, Milan are hoping to add another centre-back to their ranks next year and Lindelof is Ibrahimovic’s top target, as per Milan Live.

The Sweden football legend is currently a senior advisor at San Siro and he has urged the club to complete a deal for Lindelof when his Man Utd contract expires at the end of June.

The 30-year-old is currently behind Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Jonny Evans in the pecking order at Man Utd, and he appears unlikely to extend his stay with Erik ten Hag’s side.

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Lindelof joined the Red Devils from Benfica in 2017 and he has made 260 appearances for the club, winning both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time at Old Trafford.

Fiorentina and Inter have also been linked with a move for Lindelof when his contract at Man Utd expires, however Milan appear to be the frontrunners for his signature due to Ibrahimovic’s presence.

What has Zlatan Ibrahimovic said about Victor Lindelof?

Ibrahimovic’s admiration of Lindelof isn’t a new phenomenon either. Back in 2016, before Lindelof’s move to Man Utd, he told the media: “I think Victor is doing great things, he is playing well for Benfica, he gets a lot of responsibility for the national team now. He is growing.

“Is he good enough for United? I think he’s good enough for the big clubs out there. It’s up to him what he wants and what the situation says.

“Whatever he chooses will be good for him. I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice, what fits him best.”