Manchester United suffer blow to Spanish giants in race to sign Erling Haaland

According to an interview done by Spanish journalist Siro Lopez on Twitch, per MadridXtra (h/t The Express), Erling Haaland may be heading to Spain next summer amidst links to Manchester United.

Haaland, who has managed to score 62 goals in 62 games for Borussia Dortmund in the last year and a half, has attracted interest from several clubs this summer, however, Real Madrid and United are apparently frontrunners in the race to sign the striker.

However, given that Dortmund have apparently slapped a £150million price tag on the player, it has become nearly impossible for clubs to negotiate a deal with the German outfit to secure the player’s services. While that is the case, the 21-year-old also has a clause in his contract that will make him available to clubs for nearly €75million next summer. 

United, who have been interested in the Norwegian, could well be angling to get a deal done for the player next summer. However, that may not be the case anymore according to Spanish journalist Siro Lopez, who talked about the player’s situation on Twitch, per MadridXtra (h/t The Express), saying:

“Haaland? What I know is there is a pre-agreement between Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Haaland for the player to join Madrid in 2022.” 

Thus, it looks like the Spanish giants have pipped United in the race to sign the Norwegian sensation. This would come as a huge blow for the Red Devils, who might need an out-and-out centre-forward next summer. 

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Edinson Cavani, who led the line for large parts last season, will be out of contract next summer, and the Red Devils will need somebody to replace the potentially outgoing Uruguayan. Moreover, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have been hoping to reunite with his countryman after the pair worked together at Molde. 

Thus, while United would still like to try to sign the forward next summer, it could be really hard to prise the 21-year-old away if he has a pre-contract with Real Madrid.