Pep Guardiola responds to transfer reports linking Erling Haaland with £128m Real Madrid move

Pep Guardiola has said he does not think Erling Haaland is unhappy in Manchester, despite reports this week claiming the Norwegian wants to join Real Madrid in the summer.

According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, Haaland ‘is not comfortable in Manchester’ and wants to link up with former team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu. The report also states Haaland would prefer a move to Madrid, who would only have to pay a release clause of £128m.

But that is apparently news to Guardiola, who said on Friday that he does not think his no.9 is unhappy at Manchester City.

“I don’t know,” he said, when asked about those reports. “You have to ask the media from Madrid if he is not happy. Maybe they have more info than we have. 

“I don’t have that feeling that he is unhappy. He was because he could not play for two months because he was injured. Maybe the media from Spain, especially Madrid, have more information than us."

Quizzed on whether the rumours could unsettle Haaland, Guardiola said: “You cannot say he did not adapt quick and was not fine since he arrived. That is the level he has showed since the day one when he arrived.

“So we cannot control what other people say. The important thing is he is happy and when he is unhappy he will take his decision.”

Haaland returned to the team in Wednesday’s win over Burnley, and Guardiola confirmed the forward could be available to start against Brentford on Monday night.

“He is ready,” said the City boss. “Everyone is ready because they are not injured. If they are on the bench they are ready.

"Everyone is fit, everyone is back," he added. "Manu [Akanji] is back as well and we have everyone for the busy period ahead of us, Champions League is round the corner and many games so it is good to have everyone.£