It was highly anticipated that Benfica defender Victor Lindelof would be the first major signing of the January transfer window for Manchester United. Now, it seems that a Benfica player is close to joining United but it may not be Lindelof. Instead, the club seems to have edged closer towards bringing in Goncalo Guedes. The Manchester United target, as per the reports from Metro Sport, has said goodbyes to his Benfica teammates ahead of a £26 million move to Old Trafford. Guedes is a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who can also play as a forward.

Benfica recently managed a 4-0 win over Tondela and Guedes did not even make it to the squad. It was surprising considering that the 20-year-old has been a key element of Benfica’s starting lineup this season. He has featured in 16 league matches with only two coming from the bench. Even though he has scored only two goals in these games, Guedes’ has been crucial to the Benfica style of play.

Even though Guedes has a contract with the club until the summer of 2021, it seems that a potential move could not be far away. Benfica manager Rui Vitorio claimed after the win over Tondela that he is not aware of any transfer interest from Manchester United for the youngster. However, he went on to claim that Guedes was left out of the squad because he did not want to play. It may be an indication that Guedes is close to a transfer, but it remains to be seen if it is to Manchester United.  Metro Sport quoted Vitorio as saying:

“Guedes didn’t play because I choose to pick other players. I have no indication that he will leave.”

The victory over Tondela re-established a four-point advantage over FC Porto and it was a crucial game for the club in the title race. Hence, leaving out one of the important players has to be a major suggestion that a deal could be close, as United have been heavily linked with a move for the player over the last few days.

After a lot of talk about United spending almost £100 million in this January transfer window, the club are yet to make a signing in any position. Victor Lindelof was one of the first names to arrive at Old Trafford in January, but the £38 million move for the defender may have stalled as a result of United looking at strengthening the team elsewhere. The importance of new attacking players was only persuaded in the recent 1-1 draw with Stoke City. Despite a wave of changes throughout the 90 minutes, United could not find the decisive second goal and were left to be content with a second consecutive draw in the league.