Manchester City and Real Madrid are reportedly the only two contenders to sign Erling Haaland this summer.
The Manchester Evening News understands City are in pole position to land the Borussia Dortmund star as they look for a new striker. Haaland’s future looks set to be the biggest story in the upcoming transfer window, with his release clause in Germany set to be triggered.
The 21-year-old has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain having also been touted as possible suitors. However, many of the clubs mentioned appear to have dropped out of the running, with City now leading the way.
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According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness ), City will still face competition from one footballing superpower. The report claims Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has not yet given up hope of bringing Haaland to the Bernabeu.
Real would have to work to convince the young striker and his representatives, with the situation described as ‘not easy’. Madrid reportedly wanted him to continue at Dortmund until 2023, although Haaland appears eager to secure a move this summer.
That would seemingly leave the advantage firmly in City’s hands, although Haaland is said to still be waiting for Real. That being said, the Spanish club are reportedly concerned about his injury record.
Elsewhere, City are said to be challenging AC Milan for the signing of Monaco midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly. The 17-year-old’s contract with the Ligue 1 side expires this summer, leaving him free to find a new club.
Milan are claimed to be interested in taking the teenager to the San Siro. The Italian giants have reportedly presented a project to his family, with Coulibaly said to be ‘fascinated’ by the proposals.
However, Sport report that Milan aren’t the only side keen on the young midfielder. City are just one of the clubs mentioned, along with Juventus, Tottenham and Barcelona.
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