Teamtalk reports that Manchester United are planning to extend the contract of star defender Victor Lindelof, age 29, by activating a 12-month option placed into his present agreement, which might result in a big salary raise.

Since joining Manchester United for £31 million from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica six years ago, Victor Lindelof has made 241 appearances for the Red Devils’ first team.

He signed a contract extension two years later, although manager Erik ten Hag has subsequently opted for the pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Following significant injuries to Varane and Martinez, he was given a chance to rejoin the first team and responded with a string of solid performances in the center of the defense toward the conclusion of the season.

The Swedish defender hаs helped Erik ten Hаg’s club thrоugh their recent injury prоblem by plаying аll оver the bаck line. Hоwever, his perfоrmаnces this seаsоn hаve been less thаn stellаr.

Although Ten Hag had an opportunity to cash in on the Sweden international before the summer transfer deadline on September 1, the Red Devils prioritized moving Harry Maguire instead after the Englishman fell out of favor with Ten Hag.

Only eight months remain on Lindelof’s £120,000 per week contract, but United are reportedly ready to exercise their option to extend the Sweden international’s contract by another year, until 2025, as reported by Teamtalk. It is speculated that the extension also includes a hefty wage increase of roughly £140k-per-week.

However, reports suggest that this is simply a strategy for United to get a better return on their investment if and when they decide to sell Lindelof in the summer of 2024, rather than an indication that the 29-year-old will be staying for an extended period of time.

The Sweden captain would be able to discuss a possible summer transfer with other clubs in January. Both Inter Milan and their fierce rivals at AC Milan have shown interest in the defender in the past.

If Lindelof doesn’t re-up with Manchester United for another year as a free agent, the Rossoneri are sure they can recruit the defender for €15 million as they prepare for life without experienced center back Simon Kjaer.

The Danish international has been a reliable player for Milan for many years, but it appears that he will be leaving the club next summer when his contract expires at the age of 34. Lindelof’s ball-playing and leadership skills make him an ideal candidate to replace Milan manager Stefano Pioli.