The return of Victor Lindelof to training could be good news for Manchester United - in more ways than one.

The defender has been out of action since the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat against Tottenham, where he was forced off at half time due to injury. The problem has seen him miss the last seven games in all competitions.

But he could possibly make his comeback in the Europa League clash against Rangers on Thursday night (8pm kick-off). Ahead of the game, United have revealed that the centre-back is back in training.

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It not only adds to the options available to Ruben Amorim for the game, but it could also present a transfer opportunity for the club in the final week-and-a-half of the January window. Lindelof is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave on a free transfer.

He has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and could be a candidate to leave before the end of the month, having made just two appearances under Amorim so far.

If that’s the case, United may be able to get a small fee for Lindelof instead of losing him for nothing in six months time.

While the player was injured, a move would have been unlikley. But his return to training has come at a good time for a possible transfer.

Some reports earlier in the month suggested that former United striker and assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy may be interested in a reunion with the defender at Leicester City.

The Foxes are prioritising a centre-back to help with their defensive woes in the final days of the window.

If United are unable to secure a permanent deal, a loan deal could also be a option.

A loan fee could be included with United also getting at least a portion of the player’s wages off the books between now and the end of the season.