MANCHESTER UNITED are the frontrunners to sign teen sensation Erling Haaland, according to reports.
The Norwegian superstar has emerged as one of Europe’s top prospects after an incredible goal haul of 26 goals in 18 games this season.
United have emerged as favourites to sign HaalandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is already encouraging his board to open their cheque book to land the 19-year-old.
Solskjaer coached Haaland during his time on the touchline at Molde and is desperate to land a new striker.
And reports in Norway suggest that the duo’s previous working relationship could be the difference in convincing the Red Bull Salzburg striker that his future belongs at Old Trafford.
Europe’s biggest clubs are set to scrap it out for his signature including Juventus and Real Madrid.
It is no surprise as he currently sits at the top of the Champions League goalscoring charts with seven.
First-team football will also prove an important factor in his decision and he knows a January move to United will see him waste no time in hitting the ground running in the Premier League.
Red Bull Salzburg know they have a real gem in their ranks and are not prepared to let him leave on the cheap.
It is claimed that they want at least £85million for his signature and are braced for a bidding war when the transfer window opens in January.
United have previously been boosted by the comments of Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, who has his career ended by Roy Keane when he played for Man City.
He told talkSPORT: “At one stage he would like to play in the Premier League, but when that will happen, I don’t know. It is a very tough league.
“Up to now he is ahead of the stage we thought he would be at. He is built for the Premier League, but whether that will happen now or at a later stage, we don’t know.
“He is at Red Bull, a fantastic club playing Champions League so in a way he is in no hurry.
“Red Bull have shown from the past that they are a ‘middle step’ club, and if they are going to recruit players in the future they can’t put a stupid price tag on the players because nobody would want to go there.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
