Manchester United and Juventus are still alive in the race for Erling Haaland despite being considered underdogs to sign the Red Bull Salzburg prodigy.
German clubs Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are the frontrunners after meeting with the 19-year-old and tabling bids to sign him from the Austrian club, according to the Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano and Marcus Christenson.
Although Haaland has a release clause in his contract worth €25 million (£21.2 million), Salzburg are expected to demand a transfer fee in the region of €60 million or higher if there is a bidding war for the striker.
Both teams are hopeful that a deal for Haaland – who became the youngest player ever to score in his first five Champions League matches this season – can be completed during the January transfer window.
Leipzig’s chances of signing Haaland are seemingly boosted by having the same owner as Salzburg, Red Bull. Meanwhile, a report Thursday indicated that Dortmund chartered a plane to bring the forward to a meeting Wednesday.
But the race for his signature is not expected to conclude until the summer.
The Bundesliga teams will face stiff competition from Manchester United and Juventus, as the two European powerhouses are reportedly expected to hold talks with Haaland and are prepared to offer him a lucrative five-year contract.
Offering Haaland regular playing time, however, could be the biggest obstacle preventing the Norwegian from joining United or Juventus.
The player and his family are reportedly concerned that opportunities will be limited at both clubs. United have Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, while Juventus feature an attacking core comprised of superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, and Paulo Dybala.
One of the advantages that the two clubs have over Dortmund and Leipzig is their strong relationship with Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, who will likely demand a substantial commission in a potential transfer for Haaland.
Haaland has established himself as one of the best young players in the world since joining Salzburg from Norwegian club Molde in January. He has scored 28 goals in 22 appearances for Salzburg this term, including eight in the Champions League.
