Riyad Mahrez has joked he is working as an agent to bring Erling Haaland to Manchester City this summer.
Whilst the eyes of the footballing world are focused on the European Championships, Mahrez and Haaland are enjoying themselves in Mykonos.
The Borussia Dortmund forward is one of the most sought after players in world football after a goal-laden spell in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund are adamant they won’t sell Haaland, but that hasn’t stopped links with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
And Mahrez has stoked speculation by retweeting a video of him and Haaland with the caption, “Agent Mahrez”.
If City are to land the forward, it will likely come close to a world record transfer fee, with the German club able to name their price before his release clause becomes active next summer.
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc insists plans are being made for next season with Haaland still very much involved.
“I like to stick to what the contractual basis looks like and how the direct discussions were held last week,” he told Sport1.
“We have very clear plans to go into the new season with Erling.”
However, the player’s agent Mino Raiola has suggested that the final decision will lie with Haaland when it comes to leaving Signal Iduna.
“I can confirm that I was in Dortmund for talks,” he said last month. “Michael Zorc made it clear to us that BVB Erling does not want to sell this summer.
(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
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“I respect this opinion, but what does not automatically mean that I also agree.
“BVB were very clear in their views. We are okay with that.”
City are set to be in the market for a striker following the departure of Sergio Aguero at the end of last season.
The club’s record scorer was allowed to leave the Etihad at the expiration of his contract and chairman Khalfoon Al Mubarak has hinted he will be replaced.
“We lose a very important legend in Sergio Aguero, very hard shoes to fill but I am confident that we will find the right player to fill those shoes,” Al Mubarak explained.
“There are other areas within the team which need investment, not too many, it’s not about numbers it is about quality.
“I think the squad is a phenomenal squad, you don’t win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final without that and we have it. We will bring quality into the squad in a couple of key positions.”
