Manchester United are counting on the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to help land Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

Swedish sources say United have already opened talks with Benfica about a fee for Lindelof ahead of the January market.

However, United are not alone, with Chelsea and Inter Milan also serious suitors for the Swede.

Record says a winter market exit is likely, particularly with Lindelof's contract carrying a €30 million buyout clause.

And United hope to swing a deal in their favour by using former Sweden captain Ibrahimovic as an intermediary during talks.