Victor Lindelof to join Man Utd's Premier League rivals! Aston Villa close in on free transfer for defender

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has applied his 'here we go' catchphrase to Lindelof's proposed move to Aston Villa. The centre back is said to be undergoing a medical that will pave the way for a free transfer on a two-year contract - with the option of a third. Everton and Fiorentina also showed interest, but Villa's offer was most appealing.

Lindelof has been a free agent since being released at the end of his last Manchester United contract on June 30. He had spent eight years at Old Trafford, making 284 appearances and winning two trophies. The 31-year-old, whose 2017 arrival from Benfica was met with great hope and optimism, played less than he would have liked after 2022 due to injuries and competition for places. But moving to Villa, where Unai Emery has transformed Ezri Konsa into a Champions League and international-calibre defender in recent years, could be a late career rebirth for Lindelof.

Lindelof was a product of little known Swedish team Vasteras, a lower league club. He made his first-team debut aged 15 and travelled to England at 16 for what proved to be an unsuccessful trial with Stoke City's academy. It was then that the teenager was picked up by Benfica.

If Lindelof completes his move to Villa as expected, he will have the opportunity to get his feet under the table uninterrupted without games, due to the international break and not being selected by his country while he didn't have a club.