ERLING HAALAND snubbed an offer from Manchester United on the advice of his agent Mino Raiola – even though they were offering more money.
That’s according to Borussia Dortmund chief exec Hans-Joachim Watzke, who admitted the Bundesliga club came in with a lower offer for the prolific striker.
But the CEO claims super-agent Raiola realised his client would thrive at the German giants, who have a reputation for blooding top young talent.
Watzke told Sport1: “The offer from Manchester United was better. However Mino Raiola realised that Erling is better off with us.”
Haaland moved to Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 and has gone on to become one of the world’s best strikers at the age of just 21.
United were linked with a £76million bid back in December 2019 but the Norwegian moved to Signal Iduna Park for just £18m instead.
He has since notched 70 goals in 69 appearances for the club and attracted further admirers from just about every one of Europe’s heavyweights.
Watzke recently admitted it would be difficult for Dortmund to hold onto their goalscorer next year.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
The club also faces a battle to retain the services of England starlet Jude Bellingham.
The 18-year-old is tipped as one of world football’s brightest talents and is on Liverpool’s radar under ex-Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp.
Bellingham has starred in Germany after arriving from Birmingham last year in a £30million deal.
Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl has admitted the Reds are interested – but warned the midfielder has no buy-out clause and would cost any buyer mega-money.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
