<
>

Benfica's Victor Lindelof plays down talk of Manchester United transfer

Benfica defender Victor Lindelof has played down talk of a move to Manchester United.

Lindelof, 22, was the subject of interest from United in January, although Jose Mourinho decided against making a bid after being impressed with the form of both Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones.

Speculation linking the Sweden international with a move to Old Trafford has resurfaced in Portugal ahead of the summer window.

But centre-back Lindelof told reporters in Sweden: "I'm not [leaving] -- I have a contract, so I'll be back.

"I'm not saying anything about that [interest from United]. I say what I always say -- I have a contract with Benfica, and that's what I'm focused on.

"I just try to focus on what's important for me. I know a lot of things get written, but I don't think it's right for me to read it all the time. It wouldn't suit me to read rumours."

Mourinho spoke to reporters in Portugal on Monday but did not confirm whether he was interested in signing Lindelof.

He is expected to bring in at least one centre-back, with Burnley's Michael Keane another option.

Lindelof, meanwhile, said his future may become clearer after Sweden's World Cup qualifier against France in Stockholm on Friday.

He said: "My thoughts are with the national team. After that I'm going on holiday, so we'll see. But I have a contract, and that's where my thoughts lie. That's my answer."