Erling Haaland latest as Manchester City move into ‘pole position’ for the Borussia Dortmund forward
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Manchester City have been linked with Erling Haaland for some time now and are said to be in ‘pole position’ to sign the Borussia Dortmund forward.
The Norwegian international has been in fine form for his German club this season, netting 19 goals in 17 appearances so far.
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Hide AdAccording to reports from Sky Sports, City are now in ‘pole position’ to sign the 21-year-old, however, they will likely have to wait until the summer for anything to materialise.
Haaland, whose father is former Sky Blues’ defensive-midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, is set to begin talks with Dortmund regarding his future in the next couple of weeks.
In the summer, a £64m release clause will become active in the Norweigian’s contract, meaning Pep Guardiola will have to act swiftly to secure the forward’s signature.
Haaland has several big European clubs interested in him, thus Guardiola needs to activate the clause at the earliest opportunity.
Dortmund’s stance
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Hide AdSky added that Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl will talk to the 21-year-old "in the next few weeks", adding: "It would be good if a decision doesn’t drag on forever."
What his agent has said
Further speculation surrounding Haaland’s move to the Etihad Stadium was backed up by his agent Mino Raiola.
The latter told German TV channel SPORT1last month that City is a potential destination for his client in the future.
Raiola said: "He [Haaland] can and will take the next step. Bayern, Real, Barcelona, City - these are the big clubs he can go to. City have won the championship five times in the last few years, much more than United."
Guardiola’s comments
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Hide AdHowever, Sky Blues’ boss Guardiola has dismissed rumours between the forward and his club, saying: "Next question - don’t ask me about that. I won’t answer."
Ex-Premier League stars view
Regardless of the comments from all parties, if a deal is struck, there’s no denying the talent Haaland would bring to the Etihad Stadium - something former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has emphasised.
The Scotsman thinks that if City were to sign Haaland they would dominate domestic and European football.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said: "It’s game over if Man City get Haaland, they will win everything.
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Hide Ad"I’m a big fan of his and he has done so well in that Dortmund side.
"He has been tremendous in Europe but people will say the Premier League is a different kettle of fish.
"I would fully expect Haaland to thrive in the Premier League, especially in that Man City team. Some big-name strikers can’t do it, Fernando Torres was rubbish at Chelsea, for example.
"I don’t see that happening with Haaland, he’s too good. City are a team who can afford him and he will want to sign.
"He’s just brilliant, he really is. I think it would be great to see him playing over here."
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