Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United target Victor Lindelof is "hot" and has the talent to shine for the world's top teams. Sky sources in Portugal have revealed United have begun discussions with Benfica's president Luis Filipe Vieira over a £38m move for their Swedish defender. It appears a deal could soon be wrapped up despite the Portuguese club initially reluctant to offload one of their prized assets having qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

The 35-year-old Ibrahamovic, who scored twice during United's 2-0 win over West Brom on Saturday, has played alongside Lindelof for Sweden and has predicted great things for his international team-mate. "He is growing. He has a lot of responsibility with the national team now," Ibrahimovic said. "Is he good enough for United? I think he is ready for the big clubs out there. It is up to him what he wants and what the situation says. Whatever he chooses, it will be good for him. "I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice for him."

SSNHQ reported last month that Lindelof was United's prime target ahead of the January transfer window with manager Jose Mourinho having to contend with injuries to Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who only recently returned to fitness.  Lindelof began his career with Vasteras SK in the lower tiers of Swedish football, and has progressed at Benfica since arriving as a 17-year-old in five years ago. He played in all three of Sweden's games in Euro 2016, and has racked up 11 international caps.