Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho calls off Victor Lindelof deal favouring current defensive options

Mourinho is favouring his current defensive options

Victor Lindelof has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United (Getty)

Manchester United are ready to step down their pursuit of Benfica defender Victor Lindelof as Jose Mourinho feels the club do not need another centre back.

The Daily Mail understands that, despite the intense speculation linking the in-demand defender with a January move to Old Trafford, Mourinho has decided to instead show faith in the current defensive options already at his disposal.

The Portuguese boss has called off the move, which was being instigated by agent Jorge Mendes, after being impressed with the recent form of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones who have helped steer United to four wins on the bounce in December.

And, with first choice pairing Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly available for selection again after injury troubles, Mourinho doesn’t feel the need to splash the cash on another big money signing.

The Red Devils will be without Bailly again for the upcoming African Cup of Nations but Mourinho seems convinced that Jones, Rojo and Smalling will provide adequate cover in his absence.

This dramatic change in mind-set is a stark contrast to Mourinho’s attitudes earlier in the season when a United exodus during the January transfer window seemed a certainty.

But, while some have fought their way back into Mourinho’s future plans, the 53-year-old is still expected to shed some of his squad’s dead weight next month.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay have been linked heavily with moves away from Old Trafford after failing to make any impression on Mourinho since his arrival in the summer.

Ronald Koeman is interested in signing the United duo and is the front runner to take the pair to Goodison Park despite West Brom already lodging an £18million bid for Schneiderlin.

Maroune Fellaini is also subject to interest from West Ham but the chances of a move seem unlikely following Mourinho’s recent backing of the Belgium midfielder after the Old Trafford crowd turned against him for conceding a late penalty against former club, Everton.