Celtic join race to sign Swedish international

Celtic are one of the clubs who have been scouting Benfica defender Victor Lindelof, according to reports in Portugal.

A report in A Bola claims that the Scottish Champions were one of a number of clubs who sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old play in Benfica’s Champions League draw with Turkish side Besiktas at the Stadium of Light last week and that the Celtic scouts were there to watch Lindelof.

Lindelof, who has been capped seven times by Sweden, has been at Benfica for four years after he joined from Vasteras SK.

He’s played in five of Benfica’s six matches this season and the Portuguese side will not be willing to let him go without a fight. Also, the fact that so many clubs are interested in him could lead to Celtic being priced out of a move should they decide to make a bid for him.

Having brought in Kolo Toure as short-term cover, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a centre-back who he can use in the long-term and Lindelof could be just that player.