Manchester United might have suffered a major setback in their quest to sign Erling Haaland.
Haaland is perhaps the most prized asset in European football at the moment as his name is a household name linked with every top European club. His records have been impressive, with few strikers able to compare with what he has achieved in the last three years.
Manchester United was looking forward to forming a partnership with him and their young forwards, but their dreams may turn to nightmares if Real Madrid have succeeded in squeezing a pre-agreement with the player.
Wanted in Madrid and Manchester
At 21, Haaland has turned Europe alight with his scintillating displays and his jaw-dropping performances.
Coveted by Europe's top clubs, Real Madrid and Manchester United jumped ahead of the queue to secure the player's signature.
One of the contenders for the Norwegian was London giants Chelsea but found him a tougher objective before turning their sight on record-breaking signing Romelu Lukaku.
United hoped that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could play a major role in convincing the player to make the switch to Old Trafford. Their previous relationship may, however, not be enough.
A straight battle between United and Madrid
With Manchester City in hot pursuit of Harry Kane and Barcelona without the funds to execute the move, and PSG struggling to keep Mbappe, the coast is now clear for Real Madrid and Manchester United to make their play.
Sharing his thoughts on Twitch, as quoted by MadridXtra, Spanish journalist Siro Lopez claims Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Haaland have a pre-agreement for the player to join Madrid in 2022.
Real Madrid had a well-publicized meeting with the player's entourage earlier this year, which seems to have created the feeling that the player is Madrid bound.
Kylian Mbappe remains a factor that could upset the apple cart with Real Madrid long linked with the Frenchman. The figures bandied for Mbappe could force Madrid out of a move for Haaland, but known for signing 'Galacticos', Los Blancos could go for both players, especially if Mbappe arrives on a free next summer.
With 35-year-old Cavani as United's top striker, United will need longer-term options and will pull out the stops to get Haaland.
Other contenders not to be ruled out
Manchester City have deep pockets and will not mind having a go at Haaland, with his father Alf-Inge having played for City as well.
Juventus could also join the fray with Cristiano Ronaldo constantly linked away from the club. If he leaves, that would see a huge wage bill taken off their books.
PSG are also an entity not to be ruled out, especially if Mbappe does join Real Madrid.
The pursuit of Haaland will certainly come alive in the summer of 2022.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
