Manchester United are reportedly hoping to steal a march on Real Madrid in pursuit of 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Real Madrid are facing stiff competition from Manchester United in the race to sign Erling Haaland. The Red Devils are willing to offer the 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward an annual salary worth €28 million in addition to €40 million in signing on bonus.
Erling Haaland is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market following a couple of productive years in club football. The Norwegian striker first burst onto the limelight in the first half of the 2019/20 season, and those exploits earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund. And he has not looked back since.
In 70 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, the 21-year-old has amassed a spectacular tally of 71 goals and 19 assists. Haaland’s exploits have not gone unnoticed either, with a gamut of clubs keen on signing him next summer, when a release clause in his contract will come into effect. And two of his prospective suitors are Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The interest from Real Madrid makes sense, despite Karim Benzema’s irresistible form in the last few years. While the Frenchman has been in imperious touch for quite some time, it is worth noting that he is 33 years old, which is why the Spanish giants need to lay down a succession plan for their talisman.
To that end, Haaland is a viable target for Real Madrid, with the 21-year-old reportedly in favour of joining the club when he leaves Borussia Dortmund. However, Los Blancos are facing stiff competition from Manchester United in the race to sign the Borussia Dortmund forward.
At Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has held the fort on the goalscoring front this season. However, the Portuguese superstar is in the twilight of his career and is only a short-term solution. With Edinson Cavani heavily linked with Barcelona and Anthony Martial failing to make his mark, the Red Devils need to sign a striker, making Haaland a viable target.
According to El Nacional, the Premier League heavyweights are ready to steal a march on Real Madrid in pursuit of Haaland by offering him an annual salary worth €28 million in addition to €40 million in signing on bonus. However, the Merengues are confident of landing Haaland despite the riches on offer from Manchester United.
It has been claimed that Haaland is attracted by the idea of playing in the Premier League, which could keep Manchester United in the hunt to sign the 21-year-old, even though he would prefer joining Real Madrid. So, it will be interesting to see where Haaland’s career takes him when he calls it quits at Borussia Dortmund.
