The transfer saga of Erling Haaland is still unresolved, with all of Europe's elite still scrapping for the Norwegian's signature ahead of the summer.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is nailed on to leave the Bundesliga at the end of the season after becoming one of the most sought after strikers in world football over the past two seasons. And he will be available for a bargain price too, as his £68million release clause is set to kick in during the summer.
According to sources in Spain, Haaland is prepared to snub Premier League interest in favour of a move to Spain, with Real Madrid the likely destination. But a move to England may beckon regardless as Los Blancos have 'concerns' over the Norwegian.
Haaland's record speaks for itself, as the 21-year-old has scored 70 goals in 68 matches for Dortmund since arriving in Germany. The generational talent also became the first Dortmund player to score on his Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal debut.
But his fitness has become a slight concern, as Haaland has missed a large portion of this season through injury, something that his father, Alf-Inge also suffered which forced him into an early retirement. Because of this, Madrid are reportedly questioning whether to make a move for the Dortmund striker.
According to Spanish journalist Josep Pederol, Madrid are reportedly asking for injury reports ahead of a potential move for Haaland, and they will then make a decision on whether they are willing to take a risk. The news comes as a major boost to both Manchester United and Manchester City, who are said to be extremely keen on signing him next summer.
Barcelona are also though to have approached Haaland over a move to Spain, but it appears that Madrid would be the only option should he move to La Liga, as the Catalan side reportedly failed to entice the player or his representatives.
Therefore, should Madrid pull out of the running, it could leave the two Manchester sides to battle it out for Haaland, just as they did this summer for Cristiano Ronaldo. Ahead of Deadline Day this summer it looked as though Ronaldo was set to join his former rivals, but a U-turn saw him snub City and return to Old Trafford.
Although Ronaldo is their top scorer this season with 18 goals, the 37-year-old is very much a short-term option, with Edinson Cavani expected to leave at the end of the campaign. United need a new long-term striker, although any move could hinge on who they appoint as their new manager.
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City went all out for a striker this summer but failed as they couldn't secure moves for either Harry Kane or Ronaldo, and a centre-forward is the only area that Pep Guardiola is lacking. Haaland could not only solve their striking issues, he could fill that position for many years to come.
Haaland's father also played for City, which could be a major factor in persuading him to play for Guardiola instead of looking to move to Old Trafford. But United remains a bigger pull, and the prospect of being Ronaldo's successor could also play a huge part in his next move.
Chelsea are currently banned from making any transfers, and Liverpool have just signing Luis Diaz, and have their own internal issues to sort out as Mohamed Salah is yet to re-sign. One thing that's for sure, if Haaland can stay fit, whoever signs him will be a threat for years to come.
