Victor Lindelof close to joining Aston Villa in shock twist – Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Victor Lindelof is close to joining Aston Villa on a free transfer just months after leaving Manchester United, Fabrizio Romano reveals.

Shown the door by INEOS

Lindelof, 31, was not offered a contract renewal with his deal the Red Devils expiring at the end of last season.

INEOS are attempting to remodel Ruben Amorim’s squad with a younger profile of player on cheaper wages – an approach which saw the Sweden international, who captains his nation, shown the exit door at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies on three central defenders but it is an area of the pitch which United’s squad is deepest in with Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven all ahead of Lindelof in the queue.

It was an easy decision, therefore, for United to let the Swede leave, particularly given he has never felt a comfortable fit in English football, often falling short in key moments due to being overpowered physically.

Lindelof has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe this summer, including Bayer Leverkusen for a reunion with Erik ten Hag in Germany and Serie A side Fiorentina.

He has been training with his former side in Sweden, Västerås SK, to keep up his fitness while he waits for the next chapter of his career to materialise. And, according to Romano, it will take him to a Premier League rival.

A shock switch to Villa Park

Romano reveals Aston Villa are “closing in” on a deal to sign Lindelof on a two-year contract.

Tweet: “Aston Villa are closing in on Victor Lindelöf deal, here we go soon! Final details being sorted after proposal sent last night to anticipate Everton and Fiorentina.Understand it’s two year deal for Lindelöf at #AVFC.”

The Italian transfer guru contends the “final details” are being ironed out after a proposal was tabled to the defender last night in order to fend off interest from Everton and Fiorentina.

It constitutes something of a surprise for a Premier League side with ambitions of Champions League football to target a player who often fell short of this standard while in a Red shirt.

But a free transfer for an experienced and versatile defender, with an excellent attitude and leadership qualities, has proven a deal Villa consider worth pursuing at this late stage of the summer window.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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