Manchester United target Victor Lindelof does have a release clause in his contract, Benfica president has confirmed.

Lindelof has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester in January, with reports suggesting United were plotting a £38million move for his signature.

Jose Mourinho is believed to be a big admirer of the Sweden international, who has played 30 league games for Benfica since joining the club in 2012, and is keen on adding him to his ranks at Old Trafford.

And Benfica chief Luis Filipe Vieira has admitted the 22-year-old defender does have a release clause in his current contract.

He said: “Lindelof is a Benfica player with a release clause. We will wait and see.”

It is most likely that United will try and drive the asking price down though – with £42m looking expensive for a central defender who is unproven in Europe’s top leagues.

But the Portuguese media keep stressing that the move to United is still on, with the Sweden international reportedly told he will have the No2 shirt at Old Trafford if the move goes ahead.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira Ferreira was in Manchester last week to discuss a potential switch.

Despite United having the option to bring Lindelof to the Premier League, The Sun say the recent performances of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo may persuade Mourinho to put off a deal until the summer.

The Red Devils have only conceded three goals in their last six league games and have not been beaten since October.

Meanwhile, Lindelof has been training with his Benfica team-mates as he waits for news of his move to Manchester United.

The 22-year-old was left out of their squad to face Pacos de Ferreira – as the Eagles won 1-0 in the Taca da Liga.