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      Man Utd leading £60m transfer chase for teenage midfielder Florian Wirtz as Ralf Rangnick targets FOUR German wonderkids

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      RALF RANGNICK will step up his efforts to land £60million-rated German super-kid Florian Wirtz.The Manchester United boss has also drawn up a hitlist of crack Bundesliga rookies he wants at Old Trafford — whether he is in charge next season or not.
      Florian Wirtz is Ralf Rangnick’s No1 transfer target ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Yet his No 1 target is Bayer Leverkusen teenager Wirtz — described as the best young German midfielder in decades.
      The 18-year-old has long been on the radar of some of Europe’s top dogs.
      However, he has hinted he would prefer to develop his game in the Bundesliga.
      Yet Rangnick is prepared to test that resolve by offering him a chance to star at United.
      He knows the prospect of a leading role at Old Trafford would be hard to reject.
      United have also been watching Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Boubacar Kamara of Marseille — but Wirtz is their first choice.
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      Ex-Germany and Liverpool star Didi Hamann has called him the best central midfielder he has seen in years, after two stunning seasons at Leverkusen.
      Wirtz made his debut just three weeks after his 17th birthday and became his nation’s youngest-ever Under-21 international at the same age.
      He has since been called up into Germany’s senior squad.
      United know they would have to pay big bucks to sign him, as his Leverkusen deal runs to 2026.
      But Rangnick will tell the top brass he is worth the money, with a summer deal likelier than January.
      The club had already increased their scouting operation in Germany over the past two years. That has stepped up under Rangnick — and even if he moves upstairs at the end of the season,  he will have a big say on recruits.
      A United source said: “The new manager knows practically everybody in German football and there is huge excitement behind the scenes about what it could mean for United in the next few years.
      “Germany is a hotbed of talent and he has already flagged up a handful of names.
      “Everyone is hoping Rangnick can help United steal a march on some of our rivals.”
      The three youngsters he is most keen on are Luca Netz, Eric Martel and Armel Bella-Kotchap.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Left-back Netz, 18, joined Borussia Monchengladbach in August after only 15 appearances for Hertha Berlin.
      Defensive midfielder Martel, 19 and on loan at Austria Vienna from Leipzig, can also operate at centre-back.
      And Paris-born centre-back Bella-Kotchap, 20, played a big role in Bochum’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
      Luca Netz has impressed at left-back Borussia Monchengladbach this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Don’t rule it out’ – Man Utd transfer blow as Raiola hints Erling Haaland may STAY at Dortmund despite ‘waving goodbye’

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      ERLING HAALAND’S agent Mino Raiola has hinted the goal machine might stay at Borussia Dortmund in a huge blow to Manchester United.The shock statement comes just days after the Norwegian sensation appearing to wave goodbye to Dortmund fans.
      Man Utd target Erling Haaland could stay at Borussia Dortmund
      That is according to his agent Mino RaiolaCredit: Getty
      The 21-year-old is one of European football’s most wanted men with a raft of heavyweight clubs – including the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Barcelona – eyeing his signature.
      Haaland waved to supporters after Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Furth last Wednesday – their last home match of the year.
      Borussia director Michael Zorc dismissed it as nothing. And Raiola has as good as backed that up with his latest comments.
      The super-agent told NOS: “Could Haaland wait for Barcelona?
      “He can wait for anybody. We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.
      “We’ll look for the best option for him and I can’t rule out another year at Dortmund. Theoretically, that’s still possible.”
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      Reporters in Germany picked up on Haaland’s wave and questioned Dortmund officials following their 3-2 defeat by Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
      Sporting director Zorc said: “I saw the pictures afterwards too.
      “It looked a bit strange, but I don’t think it was a deliberate action.
      “I spoke to him again briefly, and that’s not an issue in the team either.
      “‘What is this?’ I asked him. ‘Nothing at all’, he said. That settles the matter.”
      Fellow Dortmund director Hans-Joachim Watzke also suggested the striker could stay in Germany for at least another season after a ‘positive call with Raiola’.
      He told Bild: “It doesn’t matter where you go, everyone talks about Erling Haaland.
      “The only thing I know is that Real Madrid are very interested in his signing.
      “I could name you other 25 teams, but I know for a fact that Madrid are interested.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Watzke added: “He might leave, but he might stay also.
      “I talked to Mino Raiola a few days ago and the phone call was very positive.
      “We will likely talk again in the upcoming weeks.”
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      Real Madrid transfer interest in Erling Haaland confirmed by Dortmund chief after striker seemed to wave goodbye to fans

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND boss Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed Real Madrid’s transfer interest in Erling Haaland. The Norwegian, who has 76 goals in 75 Dortmund appearances, has long been linked with the Spanish giants.
      Real Madrid’s transfer interest in Erling Haaland has been confirmedCredit: Getty
      Haaland, 21, is still contracted until 2024 but his release clause, believed to be £68million, is not active until next year.
      And in an interview with BILD TV, Dortmund CEO Watzke opened up on Madrid’s pursuit of the striker.
      He said: “No matter where I go, everyone speaks to you about Erling Haaland. 
      “All I know is a guarantee that Real Madrid are very interested in him. I could name 25 others now. 
      “But I know for sure, it can be that he leaves, but it can also be that he stays. 
      “A few days ago I had a very good conversation with Mino Raiola. When we are in a target corridor, the conversations are always quite friendly. 
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      “And that phone call was quite friendly. We will certainly have another meeting in the next few weeks. 
      “The overall development of Haaland is in the foreground. Just like with Lewandowski, I would like to be proud of Erling at some point if he wins the Champions League. 
      “Personally, I think it’s good for him if he stays in the Bundesliga a little longer.”
      Super-agent Raiola was also recently forced to deny claims Haaland had an agreement in place with Barcelona or Madrid.
      Raiola said: “Can Haaland wait for Barcelona? Haaland can wait for everyone.
      “We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club. We will look for the best option and we don’t rule out another year in Dortmund, either, theoretically it’s still possible.”
      With Haaland set to be available for a cut-price deal next year, it is likely the forward could be prized away.
      And the hitman raised questions about his Dortmund future after he waved to supporters following their 3-0 win over Furth last Wednesday – their last home match of the year.
      Erling Haaland has long been linked with Real MadridCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd joined by Bayern Munich in Jude Bellingham transfer race as they plan raid on title rivals Dortmund for star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to be rivalled for the signing of Jude Bellingham by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, it’s claimed.United are desperate for reinforcements in midfield, with Bellingham a target for interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
      A transfer tussle for Bellingham between some of Europe’s biggest clubs could be on the cards in the summerCredit: AP
      And now Bayern Munich have joined the race for the England star, according to German outlet Bild.
      Borussia Dortmund though are desperate not to lose one of their prized assets to their biggest rivals.
      Bayern are famed for poaching Dortmund’s best players, and have done so in the past by signing the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels.
      This time however they do not want to let it happen, with Erling Haaland also linked with a switch from Dortmund to Bayern.
      With Bellingham under contract with Dortmund until 2025, the club are in a strong position when it comes to transfer negotiations.
      Meanwhile at Old Trafford Paul Pogba is out-of-contract at the end of the season, while question marks remain over Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST FOOTBALL OFFERS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      A midfield overhaul is expected, and Bellingham is just one name that Rangnick wants to add to his midfield.
      Kalvin Phillips is another, although the Leeds man is rumoured to be put off by a move to Leeds’ biggest rivals.
      And SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara could be Rangnick’s first signing at Old Trafford.
      That’s if the Red Devils pay £32million for the 23-year-old in January.
      Elsewhere on the Bellingham front United’s bitter rivals Liverpool continue to be linked with the midfielder.
      Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly identified Bellingham as his key target next summer to bolster his ageing midfield.
      Klopp is hoping to capitalise on the scrap for Haaland to swoop in under the radar and tie up a move for Bellingham.
      But with Bayern and Manchester United both also keen on Bellingham, a low-key move for one of football’s brightest talents seems impossible.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann called Bernd Leno to ask ‘if he was ok’ with the German ousted by Aaron Ramsdale

      by

      ARSENAL Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann phoned Bernd Leno to check he was OK with the German having been demoted to No 2 behind Aaron Ramsdale.The pair briefly played together at Stuttgart and have kept in touch ever since.
      Jens Lehmann recently phoned Bernd Leno to ‘check everything is ok’Credit: Getty
      Leno has been dropped in place of Aaron Ramsdale this seasonCredit: Getty
      Leno, 29, came through the ranks at the Bundesliga side and began training with the senior teams around the time Lehmann, 52, arrived from the Gunners in 2008.
      And although Lehmann left in 2010 and Leno never made a Stuttgart first-team appearance before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen, the two remain in contact to this day.
      Mikel Arteta has promoted Ramsdale to first-choice stopper at the Emirates this season which has seen Leno drop to the bench for their Premier League games.
      And Lehmann – who won the Prem and the FA cup during a five-year, 200 game spell – called his fellow German to check in on him.
      In an interview with the Arsenal programme ahead of their home clash against Southampton, Leno recalled: “I will never forget what I learned from Jens.
      “I am still in touch with him. In fact he called me the other day to ask if everything is OK.
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      Ramsdale has played 13 times in the Premier League this season – including the Southampton start – but Leno has featured just three timesCredit: Rex
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      “It’s always great to speak with him because he has experienced so much in football and always has good advice.
      “It’s important to stay in touch with people because the football world is very small and the goalkeeping world is even smaller.”
      Leno has played just five times this season – three in the Prem and twice in the Carabao Cup.
      And Ramsdale has featured on 13 occasions in the top flight – including the Saints start – and just once in the League Cup.
      AWKWARD REPUTATION
      Lehmann had a reputation for being an awkward team-mate throughout his playing career – particularly toward other goalkeepers – but Leno’s experience couldn’t have been more different.
      The nine-cap Germany international added: “He was always really good with me.
      “It felt like he had two different personalities. On the pitch he was crazy, very focussed, always very very serious.
      “But off the pitch, he was very nice, very respectful.
      “He spoke to me a lot, asked me about my school, told me I needed to finish my schooling at the highest level I could.
      “He was interested in how I trained and I really liked that he showed an interest in me.
      “And I was so impressed with how he worked. He was 39, he had nothing to prove to anyone but I always saw him in the gym working like crazy.
      “I was thinking to myself ‘wow this is the top level. This is what it takes’.
      Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs
      “It showed me that I needed to do a little bit more myself and be very professional if I wanted to reach the first team level.”
      Lehmann won 61 Germany caps during his iconic career.
      And he also played every game of the North Londoners’ famous unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
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      Man Utd boss Rangnick ‘wants four transfers including Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland to overhaul team’

      by

      NEW Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has identified four transfer targets, reports say. The German replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November until the end of the season.
      Borussia Dortmund pair Erling Haaland and Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      And according to ESPN, Rangnick highlighted United’s midfield as a key area to improve when being interviewed.
      His shortlist include Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingam, 18, Leeds star Kalvin Phillips, 26, and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, 23.
      Bellingham’s Dortmund team-mate and long term United target Erling Haaland, 21, was also mentioned by Rangnick.
      But both Bellingham and Haaland are among the hottest properties in Europe with the duo expected to be pursued by a number of clubs.
      Hopes of landing Haaland have taken a blow however, with his agent naming Man City as a better option.
      Fred, 28, and Scott McTominay, 25, started in Rangnick’s first game in charge – a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last Sunday.
      Fred scored the winner and the Brazilian won praise alongside midfield partner McTominay, but Rangnick admitted improvements could be made.
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      He said: “They did one or two or three mistakes, especially in the first half there were two square passes; one from Scott, one from Fred.
      “I don’t like those kinds of balls in midfield in those positions.
      “But overall, when the other team is in possession of the ball, both Fred and Scotty they are almost perfect for that kind of football.”
      Rangnick is expected to be backed in January but has also been told to expect a quiet window.
      The manager also gave teenagers Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal, both 18, senior debuts.
      New Manchester United manager Ralf RangnickCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Ralf Rangnick’s ex-assistant coach Jesse Marsch sacked by RB Leipzig sparking speculation over Man Utd link-up

      by

      RB LEIPZIG have sacked head coach Jesse Marsch – sparking speculation he could reunite with Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United.The American joined Leipzig as Rangnick’s assistant in 2018 for a year before returning as No1 this season.
      Jesse Marsch has been sacked by RB Leipzig after a third successive league defeatCredit: EPA
      But his four-month spell has come to an end after Friday’s 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin, their third successive Bundesliga loss, left them 11th in the table.
      They also failed to progress in the Champions League after finishing behind Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage.
      Leipzig said in a statement: “RB Leipzig and head coach Jesse Marsch have mutually agreed to part ways.
      “The decision is the result of an in-depth analysis and intensive discussions after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin.
      “Jesse Marsch will be released with immediate effect and assistant coach Achim Beierlorzer will take charge of the team ahead of the upcoming home game against Manchester City.
      “A successor for Jesse Marsch will be announced in the near future.”

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      Marsch, 48, who also worked at RB Salzburg, said: “I am very grateful to be part of the Red Bull family and to have been given this opportunity!
      “Up until the very end, I remained hopeful that after a troubled start to the season and inconsistent performances, we would find more cohesion and stability as a group and turn our fortunes around.
      “Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to do that – after a discussion with Oliver Mintzlaff, we came to the joint decision to make a change in the coaching position.
      “I keep only positive thoughts in my mind and wish for the club, the team, the staff and all the fans that RB Leipzig finds its way back to its old strengths very quickly and, given the quality in the team and in the club, I am sure that the club will achieve its goals.”
      Rangnick, 63, hired Marsch as his assistant coach at Leipzig in 2018.
      The pair worked for a year together before Rangnick was promoted to head of sport and development at Red Bull and Marsch was named Salzburg boss.
      Ralf Rangnick shakes former assistant coach Jesse Marsch’s handCredit: Getty
      Marsch helped implement Rangnick’s high-pressing style of football and even introduced a wheel of fortune containing embarrassing forfeits for disobeying stars.
      SunSport exclusively revealed United want New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to be Rangnick’s new assistant following Michael Carrick’s exit.
      Rangnick, 63, and Struber, 44, know each other very well after working together at Red Bull Salzburg – the former as director of football and the latter as a youth team coach.
      But United fans feel Marsch’s dismissal is not just a coincidence.
      Former Norway star turned journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft said: “He has worked closely with Rangnick before! Could he come to Manchester United as an assistant?”
      One fan wrote: “Jesse Marsch will be Rangnick’s assistant for the remainder of the season. Heard it here first.”
      Another said: “I wonder if Rangnick will be on the blower to him?” More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea in Erling Haaland transfer boost as Dortmund say he can go under ‘certain conditions’ for just £64m

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND chief Michael Zorc has admitted Erling Haaland can leave under ‘certain conditions’ – handing a huge boost to Manchester United and Chelsea.The 21-year-old is believed to have a £64million release clause, which has attracted a number of top clubs from across Europe.
      Rangnick could tempt Haaland to the red side of ManchesterCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      And in order for Dortmund’s hand to be forced in negotiations, Zorc admits teams will have to meet ‘certain conditions’ as there’s ‘no need to sell him’.
      In an interview with German outlet Sport1, Zorc said: “The fact is that he has a contract. But it’s also a fact, and this is no secret, that he can leave the club under certain conditions.
      “Both Erling and the club are dealing with the issue very professionally. We’ll see how things progress.
      “There is, despite the pandemic, no economic need to sell him. That is also a fact. We will sit down and see how the talks go.”
      Premier League duo Man Utd and Chelsea are two of many clubs chasing Haaland’s signature.
      But as SunSport exclusively revealed, United are hoping new interim manager Ralf Rangnick can tempt the Norwegian to the red side of Manchester given their history together.

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      Rangnick oversaw Haaland’s move from Molde to Salzburg two years ago when he was director of football for the Austrian side.
      Haaland does appear to favour a move to Spain though, after what his agent Mino Raiola said.
      Raiola admitted the 21-year-old ‘loves’ Spain and has a house there.
      Haaland’s agent said: “At the moment you cannot talk about anything, if you want about Christmas. 
      “I am not talking about the market, because it is too early.
      “[Haaland] likes, loves, Spain. Especially his house here. It is too early to know where he is going to play next year. 
      “It’s not good to talk about that either.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More