Manchester United transfer news: Victor Lindelof deal hits snag and scouts watch Bayer Leverkusen star

The latest rumours from Old Trafford on Wednesday 28th December, 2016

Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently spoke highly of Lindelof (Getty)

Manchester United’s deal for Victor Lindelof has hit a stumbling block after it emerged the defender was on the verge of signing a new Benfica contract.

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, the Swede’s new contract will up his release clause to £50m – £12m more than the £38m originally mentioned as his transfer fee.

United had reportedly met up with Lindelof’s representatives last week ahead of a January move as Jose Mourinho looked to shore up his defence as he aims to deal with the absence of Eric Bailly, who is leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, O Jogo report that if the deal still goes ahead, Lindelof will earn around £58,000-a-week, a vast increase on the 22-year-old’s current £3,500-a-week Benfica deal.

Fellow Portuguese outlet RTP seem to confirm that Lindelof will still move to Old Trafford in the January window as they report he will take the vacant No. 2 shirt, formerly worn by Rafael.

Another player on Mourinho’s radar is Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt.

The Daily Mail report that the Red Devils sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action against Cologne last week, which Leverkusen drew 1-1.

Brandt, a four-time capped German international, has scored two goals and has six assists in 12 Bundesliga games so far this season.

United’s scouting of Brandt could signal the end of Memphis Depay’s United career, with JOE claiming he is set to move to Serie A side Roma.

Everton had been considered favourites for the Dutchman’s signature given his affiliation with manager Ronald Koeman, but Roma’s willingness to pay the majority of the £25m United paid for Depay as seen them become a more viable option.

The Toffees are also chasing Morgan Schneiderlin and are hoping to secure some sort of double deal for the out-of-favour United pair.