Manchester United's Victor Lindelof has poured cold water over suggestions that he could leave the Red Devils for the Saudi Pro League this summer.
The 29-year-old's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time, as he has failed to become a consistent starter for head coach Erik ten Hag since the Dutchman's arrival.
Nevertheless, Man United triggered a one-year extension in his contract in January, meaning that the Sweden international is tied to the Red Devils until the end of the 2024-25 campaign, but his long-term career prospects are still up in the air.
Should a long-term renewal with Lindelof's camp not be agreed, Man United would be expected to entertain offers for the centre-back this summer lest they run the risk of losing him for nothing next year.
Lindelof is currently away with the Sweden squad preparing for their upcoming international friendlies with Portugal and Albania, and he was quizzed on whether he could be tempted to join the Saudi Pro League revolution by Fotbollskanalen.
However, the former Benfica man outlined his desire to continue competing for titles in Europe, responding: "I haven't actually thought about it. Maybe I don't really feel like I'm there in my career, that I want to get down to moving away. I feel that I want to stay in Europe and play football at that level."
Despite playing down links with a switch to Saudi Arabia, Lindelof's comments offers hope to European-based suitors, and he is believed to be on a couple of teams' shortlists ahead of the summer window.
AC Milan and Sevilla are both believed to be keeping a close eye on developments, and Man United would not be expected to block Lindelof's proposed exit if a suitable offer is tabled.
The Sweden international cost the Red Devils just shy of £30m to sign from Benfica in 2017 and has now made 257 appearances for the club in all tournaments, scoring four goals and setting up seven more.
Two of those contributions have come in the 2023-24 season, where Lindelof boasts one goal and one assist from 28 matches and has started 13 Premier League games, including each of their last three at left-back with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured.
While Lindelof's versatility has come in handy this month, the Scandinavian could be one of a few centre-backs to depart Old Trafford this summer, a list which also includes Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.
Both men see their contracts expire at the end of the season, and Man United opted against triggering a 12-month option in Varane's deal at the same time they exercised their right to extend Lindelof's stay.
In addition, West Ham United are supposedly preparing to rekindle their interest in Harry Maguire, whom they tried and failed to sign in the most recent summer window before the Englishman enjoyed a renaissance under Ten Hag.
Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite is understood to be Man United's number one centre-back target this summer, but moves have also been mooted for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, Barcelona's Ronald Araujo, Lille's Leny Yoro, Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Benfica's Antonio Silva.
The Red Devils lie sixth in the Premier League table, nine points off the top four with a game in hand on Aston Villa, and are next in action away to Brentford on March 30. body check tags ::
