Manchester City reportedly hold an ‘advantage’ in the race to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, though Chelsea have been dismissed as a potential destination for the in-demand star.
Haaland is being courted by several of Europe’s elite clubs following his stunning performances for the Bundesliga side, scoring 43 goals in just 45 appearances across all competitions since signing for Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg.
The 20-year-old is the leading scorer in this season’s Champions League with eight goals and is attracting interest from the continent’s leading sides, with the forward possessing a release clause of €75m in his contract at the Westfalenstadion.
That clause will only become active in the summer of 2022, though speculation persists that Dortmund could cash in on the Norway international for a greater fee this summer, amid the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic and threat of missing out on Champions League football.
According to Sport Bild, there are just six clubs that Haaland would consider when leaving Dortmund, with Premier League trio Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all mooted as potential destinations.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are the other sides that could potentially attract the star, with Bayern Munich not currently interested in a deal given the continued excellence of Robert Lewandowski.
Haaland is keen to join a side which can give him a platform to challenge for the Champions League, and Sport Bild believe Manchester City hold an ‘advantage’ in the race for his signature.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League and amongst the favourites to win the Champions League this season, the club’s financial strength and the lure of playing under Guardiola making them an attractive option for Haaland.
Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, also spent three seasons with the club during his own professional career and with City seeking a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero he could be the man to replace the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
The forward is also an admirer of Real Madrid, though the financial situation at the Spanish champions and reported interest in Kylian Mbappe appears to place a potential deal in doubt.
The news of Haaland’s six-team shortlist will also come as a hammer blow to Chelsea, who had reportedly been interested in making an early move for the Dortmund star as they look to secure an elite number nine.
Chelsea’s current transitional phase is understood to have dissuaded Haaland from considering a move to Stamford Bridge with the Norwegian keen to sign for a side ready-made to challenge for major honours.
Read – Roberto Firmino may not be the problem, but he no longer looks like the answer either
Read Also – The top ten players with the most assists in Premier League history
