Manchester City schedule “first official meeting” with Erling Haaland

Manchester City have set up their ‘first official meeting ‘ with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. According to reports, the reigning PL champions are set to “hold talks” with the Norwegian’s representatives on January 23, The Mirror understands.

Haaland, 21, has been outstanding for BVB Dortmund this season netting the ball on 21 occasions and assisting 5 times across all competitions. The Norwegian goal machine has been averaging more than a goal a game for the former Bundesliga champions ever since he arrived at the Signal Iduna Park, scoring 78 goals and 21 assists in 77 appearances for the Schwarz Gelben.

The 21-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most daunting strikers on the planet has grabbed eyeballs from all the corners of Europe with a host of Elite clubs battling for his prized signature. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain are said to be in contention to sign the Bundesliga powerhouse.

Haaland is tipped to part ways with Dortmund with any extension to his current contract looking highly unlikely. The release clause of €75 million will be activated on June 31, 2022, and a bidding war is anticipated among the clubs to land the Norwegian striker. The source further adds that City is the ‘only English club’ to have scheduled talks with team-Haaland so far.

Pep Guardiola is yet to replace former City number nine Sergio Aguero after the Argentine forward joined Barcelona on a Bosman in the previous summer window. Ferran Torres’ departure exacerbated things for Guardiola with the Skyblues left with only a handful of finishers in the final third.

Manchester City though has outdone themselves this season, securing an 11 point lead at the top of the table. The false nine ploy has paid dividends for Guardiola with City finding back of the net on 54 occasions only behind Liverpool’s 55.

The Norwegian striker is expected to leave Dortmund this summer when the release clause sets in, and he’s been linked with Premier League giants such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. The Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona are in contention to sign the Norweigan talent as well, the source concludes.

Amid speculations regarding Haaland’s desire to move to La Liga, Barcelona can be considered to be in pole position especially with Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid looking inevitable. If Haaland does prefer England eventually, Manchester City with the financial muscle they posses will certainly fancy their chances.