The four clubs who are expected to fight for the signing of Dortmund star Erling Haaland this summer have been named.
The 20-year-old Norwegian forward has become one of the most in-demand youngsters in world football following his sensational performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
And despite Dortmund’s insistence that they plan to do everything they can to keep hold of the player, it is looking increasingly likely that Haaland will be heading to pastures new at the end of the campaign.
Earlier this month Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge were pictured in Spain, where they met with representatives from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
They then took a trip to England, but until now it has been unclear which teams they discussed a potential move with.
But according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United and Manchester City were the only two English parties involved in talks, in what may come as a blow to supporters of Liverpool and Chelsea, who were also initially mentioned.
As of yet it is not known which of the four clubs made the biggest impression on Raiola and Haaland Sr, but it seems more likely that one of the two Premier League clubs will be able to afford the transfer fee and wages demanded, with Barcelona and Madrid known to be mired in debt.
Speaking earlier this week Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke warned that they are not feeling any pressure to sell Haaland – and will not do so unless it is a deal that is on their terms.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “When Covid-19 struck, we had no debt. Not one euro. Because of that, it is a comfortable situation. We do not have to sell a player. That is important.
(Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
“The rich clubs in the world, they must know when they want a player from Borussia Dortmund there are two possibilities. The first is that I tell them they have no chance.
“Other times, I will tell them ‘this is the price’. Then they must know this is the price. It is not another price.
“We are very clear. We are very honest.”
