MIDDLESBROUGH are set to bolster their defence with the capture of Swedish youngster Victor Lindelof on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

Lindelof is expected to undergo a medical at Rockliffe Park later today ahead of completing a loan move from Portuguese side Benfica.

The 21-year-old centre-half, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, will effectively replace Jack Stephens, who has returned to Southampton, and will strengthen a backline that has been weakened following the winding down of Jonathan Woodgate’s career.

Boro have scouted Lindelof extensively in the last 12 months, with the 21-year-old springing to prominence as he helped Sweden triumph in last summer’s European Under-21 Championships.

Despite being a late call-up to the Swedish squad, Lindelof featured in every game and scored the decisive penalty in Sweden’s shoot-out win in the final against Portugal.

Having joined Benfica from Swedish second division club Vasteras SK in 2012, Lindelof helped the Portuguese club’s youth team win the Under-19 title in his first full season in Lisbon, and also made his senior debut.

He has been in and out of the senior side this season, but has proved unable to hold down a regular spot, a situation that has enabled Middlesbrough to strike a deal.

His initial contract will run to the end of the season, but Boro officials, who are also close to confirming a loan deal for Spanish striker Kike Sola, are understood to have agreed the terms of a deal that could automatically be triggered in the summer if Lindelof’s initial four-month spell is deemed a success.