Erling Haaland has reportedly expressed his desire to sign for Manchester City.
The striker has long been linked with a move to the Etihad. Haaland has a £63m release clause in his contract which is set to be activated this summer.
There has been speculation that Haaland is due to select his next destination within the next fortnight. The Manchester Evening News understands that City are frontrunners for his signature.
READ MORE: Man City 'pressing on' with Erling Haaland deal
Now, Bild (via Sport Witness ) have reported that Haaland wishes to link up with Pep Guardiola and that the Catalan boss is preparing to make an official move for the Norway superstar. City are on the hunt for a centre-forward this summer having not replaced Sergio Aguero since his exit last year.
However, the report adds that negotiations have hit a stumbling block due to the big signing-on fees both the player’s father, former City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, and his agent, Mino Raiola, are asking for. It’s said once this has been agreed, a deal could follow shortly after, despite interest from Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Teamtalk says that City are yet to hear back from the representatives of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus after tabling new contract offers for the trio. The club are confident of retaining Mahrez but are worried that the other two may decide to reject a new deal.
Sterling and Jesus see their contracts come to an end in June 2023 and, if they want a move away, City may want to cash in this summer rather than letting them leave for free next year.
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