Man City have dealt a potential blow to the pursuit of Norway and Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland following the club chief’s claim over Real Madrid’s interests

The Premier League champions have been linked for several months with a decision by the 21-year-old shooter as they seek to acquire the services of a leading center-forward to replace Sergio Aguero, who signed for Barcelona in June .

After failing to secure the arrival of Tottenham talisman Harry Kane this summer, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to defend their Championship crown and perhaps go further in the Champions League without a full-fledged striker in their ranks. .

It was reported in October that the Sky Blues are ‘ready’ signing Haaland when his £ 64million release clause goes into effect next summer, with the Manchester squad “Planning meetings” with striker Mino Raiola’s agent in January.

Moreover, it recently emerged that there is a 90% chance Haaland will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, with a string of elite European teams reportedly keen to land the Leeds-born striker.

However, recent comments from Borussia Dortmund CEO Aki Watzke could mean Haaland could be ready to move to Spain despite Premier League interest. “In general, we hope that he (Haaland) stays”, Watzke said in a recent interview, quoted by Patrick Berger from SPORT1.

“I know all the big European clubs want him (Haaland), especially Real Madrid. Real interest is confirmed. I think that one day the Spanish league would suit them better than the English one (Premier League) . “

It has been previously stated that Manchester City are keen to improve ties with Mino Raiola as they attempt to prepare a move for Haaland, who is keen to move to England in search of a new challenge after emerging as one of the top finishers around the world since joining Dortmund in 2020.

City had recently become one of the main contenders to lure Haaland from Dortmund due to their ties to Puma, who are expected to tempt the Norway international with a sensational £ 50million sponsorship package over four years.

Additionally, it has been said that Raiola is expected to speak with Etihad’s hierarchy in January about a possible move east from Manchester to Haaland, whose father Alfie is good friends with Bjorn Gulden – Puma’s Norwegian CEO. .

Manchester City will have received an additional incentive to strike a deal for Haaland on the line with the growing number of reports linking Ferran Torres to a January move to Barcelona.

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