Chelsea have pulled out of the race to sign the Sweden international defender Victor Lindelof according to Goal.
Per-the-source, Lindelof was present on Antonio Conte’s shortlist however, Chelsea cooled their interest in the 22-year-old after learning that Benfica are only willing to sell the defender if his £25 million release clause is met.
The report goes onto say that Wolfsburg and Zenit are now leading the race to sign Lindelof in January. Chelsea went onto sign their former defender David Luiz for £34 million from PSG on transfer deadline day.
Lindelof secured a place Benfica’s starting line-up last season and has continued his fine run of form this season. The Sweden international has started all of the Portuguese club’s games in the new campaign.
The 22-year-old has six caps for Sweden and was part of his nations squad for Euro 2016.
Chelsea take on Swansea City this weekend in the Premier League. The Blues will be looking to add to their two game winning run.
Follow Eren Sarigul @TurkzZ