ERLING HAALAND would already be a Manchester United player but for a mix up of time zones, according to a new report.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is the most-sought after striker in Europe after a blistering year with the German giants.
Man Utd missed out on signing Erling Haaland from Molde due to a mix up of time zonesCredit: Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would now have to splash out £150m for the striker he nurtured at MoldeCredit: Rex Features
The Red Devils, Chelsea and Man City are just three of the big boys chasing his signature this summer – with suggestions the striker’s price tag has rocketed to £150m.
And that figure is reportedly an incredible 50 TIMES more than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could have got him for.
Everton are also one of the clubs that missed out on the Norwegian following a recommendation from Scandinavian scout and former Millwall keeper Bryan King.
But it will be United who are kicking themselves the most at not snapping up the ace two years ago when he joined Austrians Red Bull Salzburg.
Especially since boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took Haaland from his hometown club Bryne and helped nurture his talents at Molde.
According to The Mirror ‘it had been arranged for a United representative to ring Haaland’s agent Jim Solbakken at 9am’ one day in order to finalise a £3m deal back in 2019.
However, they claim Molde believed it would be 9am Norwegian time, and when it did arrive it was 10am their time.
But by that time they had agreed a transfer fee with Salzburg who had rung at the agreed slot.
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King told The Mirror: “It was just simply a lack of communication – a freak situation with no one to blame.
“Obviously looking back Everton will also be disappointed now.
“It’s going to cost anyone around £100m to buy him now.”
He added: “Over the last three years he has made tremendous strides. His finishing power is a lot like Harry Kane.
“When he gets it around the box Harry makes sure he rifles into the net. Erling is the same.
“He is an old fashioned centre forward who loves to score goals.
“I was surprised that no English club went in for him even at that young age. He looked an old English type centre-forward, very powerful.”
Erling Haaland could have been heading to United or EvertonCredit: Twitter
The Norwegian is now one of the most-sought after players on the planetCredit: Reuters
Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
