Over the past 24 hours, journalists Constantin Eckner and Christian Falk have suggested that Borussia Dortmund believe their talismanic forward Erling Haaland is set to join Manchester City this summer.
Eckner of The Times reports that the 21-year-old, who has a release clause of about £63million, is expected to join the Premier League champions in the summer after being offered a salary package that would make him the highest-paid player in the English top-flight, according to Haaland's current employers, Dortmund.
It is said the overall financial package could be worth upwards of £170million depending on the length of the Nord's contract, signing-on fees, and fees owed to the striker's representatives – one of which is Mino Raiola.
In October, we covered a report from Eckner claiming that Raiola would hold talks with the Blues in January regarding a potential move this summer – and although these talks do not appear to have taken place in January, it has widely been reported that City officials, including Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and Chief of Football Operations Omar Berrada, held discussions with the player's representatives in Monaco early last month.
Across the continent, it is believed Real Madrid are City's main competitors for Haaland's signature, but the potential transfer of Kylian Mbappe to Los Blancos is thought to complicate their chances – not only from a financial perspective but also from that of the Norweigan wanting to be the main man or first choice at his next club; something that is not guaranteed in Madrid if they sign Mbappe.
Eckner makes a note of this, reiterating facts from fellow Times journalist Pol Ballus, who on Saturday reported similar and revealed that the Blues are prepared to tell Haaland that they would not stand in his way should he wish to fulfil his dream of playing in Spain after four or five years.
Following The Times story, Bild journalist Christian Falk appeared to back suggestions that Dortmund believe the Norway international will join Pep Guardiola's side by reporting that those in charge at BVB believe Haaland has agreed on a transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
Written by: @NA1907_
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