Real Madrid are ‘still in the running’ to sign Erling Haaland this summer, but Manchester City are in ‘pole position’ to secure a deal for the Borussia Dortmund forward.
Haaland’s future has dominated the headlines in recent months with Real Madrid and Manchester City emerging as the frontrunners to secure his signing, with the Norway international possessing a €75m release clause that will become active this summer.
Sport 1 are reporting that City are in ‘pole position’ to secure the signing of the 21-year-old, who has scored 80 goals in just 80 appearances since signing for Dortmund in January 2020.
The Premier League champions are reportedly willing to hand Haaland a salary worth €25m-per-season, a figure which would take the forward past Kevin De Bruyne as the club’s highest-paid player.
City’s financial and squad strength, alongside the prospect of working alongside Pep Guardiola, make a move to the Etihad appealing for Haaland.
However, Real Madrid retain a lure for Europe’s top players and remain in the race, though the Spanish side will be unable to match the financial package on offer at City.
The club’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe – as well as the presence of Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu – also complicates matters, with Haaland wanting to be the main man.
Barcelona are believed to have ruled themselves out of the race to sign Haaland, whilst Bayern Munich’s chances also appear slim with the Bundesliga champions unwilling to shatter their wage structure to accommodate the free-scoring Norwegian.
