Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is looking to bolster his defensive options in the January transfer window, with the club reportedly targeting reinforcements to fix their leaky backline.
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The Foxes, who have already conceded 34 goals in 16 Premier League matches this season, are determined to shore up their defensive vulnerabilities as they battle to improve their league position.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was recently appointed as Leicester’s head coach, is no stranger to building strong defensive units.
His tenure at PSV Eindhoven and his brief time as Manchester United’s assistant manager showcased his ability to prioritize defensive stability, a philosophy he is now bringing to the King Power Stadium.
Leicester’s struggles this season have seen them drop points due to a lack of defensive solidity, with high-profile errors and a lack of cohesion at the back proving costly.
This has led to speculation that the East Midlanders are seeking experienced defenders in the January window to steady the ship.
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Reports suggest that Van Nistelrooy’s primary target is a player he is well-acquainted with from his time at Manchester United.
Victor Lindelof, the Manchester United center-back, has emerged as Leicester’s top defensive target, according to TBR Football.
The Swedish international, who joined the Red Devils from Benfica in 2017, has struggled for game time this season, managing only 62 minutes of Premier League action.
At 30 years old, Lindelof is reportedly eager to secure a move away from Old Trafford in January, with United also open to the idea of letting him leave.
Lindelof’s contract at Manchester United is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Despite being a peripheral figure under both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag, the defender remains a player of interest to multiple clubs.
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Leicester City face competition from Benfica, Lindelof’s former club, and reportedly Juventus, who have been linked with the player.
However, Leicester, under Van Nistelrooy’s leadership, are believed to be the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
Manchester United are keen to reduce their wage bill and could benefit financially by loaning out Lindelof in January.
The club is reportedly open to a loan deal, which would include a loan fee and relief from the player’s £120,000-a-week wages.
Given United’s struggles with financial regulations, even such modest financial gains are seen as critical by the club’s hierarchy.
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Since his arrival at Manchester United, Lindelof has made 266 appearances, scoring four goals.
Despite his significant game time in earlier seasons, he has rarely been considered a first-choice central defender and has often played second fiddle to others.
This season, he has been relegated to a last-resort option, prompting his desire for a January move.
Leicester’s interest in Lindelof is not without reason. Van Nistelrooy is reportedly confident that the experienced Swede can provide the defensive reinforcement Leicester desperately need.
The Foxes’ manager believes Lindelof’s experience in the Premier League and his familiarity with Van Nistelrooy’s tactical expectations could make him an asset for Leicester in their bid to climb the table.
In addition to Leicester, Benfica have shown interest in bringing Lindelof back to Portugal, where he enjoyed a successful spell before moving to England.
Reports also suggest that Lindelof has offered himself to Juventus, although Leicester are said to be the likeliest destination for the center-back as things stand.
With Lindelof eager to leave Manchester United and Van Nistelrooy pushing for his signature, January could see the Swedish defender trade Old Trafford for the King Power Stadium.
Whether this move materializes will depend on Leicester’s ability to fend off competition and strike a deal with the Red Devils.
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