Benfica have cleared the way for Victor Lindelof to join Manchester United in the summer by buying out the sell on clause on his contract held by Swedish side Vasteras.
United were in negotiations to bring the defender to Old Trafford throughout January but gave up as the talks grew more and more complex.
Lindelof was keen to get the transfer completed but after being stung by the Anthony Martial deal 18 months earlier United called a halt as the initial £20m fee discussed almost doubled.
According to a report in The Sun quoting sources in Portugal, Benfica have paid Vasteras £4.3m for their interest in the defender which should make a summer transfer more likely.
United are likely to revisit the option in the summer but with Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo forming an impressive partnership and Virgil van Dijk likely to be available Jose Mourinho has options other than Lindelof.