Transfer Talk: Real and City lead chase for in-demand Haaland

Erling Haaland’s future will be decided in the coming weeks — and Real Madrid and Manchester City lead the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old striker is one of football’s hottest properties and a host of Europe’s biggest clubs are desperate to sign him from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

He has scored an astonishing 80 goals in 79 games since joining BVB in January 2020 and now looks set to take the next step in his career.

The Athletic claim Haaland’s future will soon be resolved and the Norwegian’s next move is likely to be determined by personal choice rather than finances.

Despite talks taking place with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, it is developing into a two-horse race between Real and City.

But the Spanish giants are also chasing Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, whose contract expires in June.

In an ideal world, Los Blancos will move for Mbappe at the end of the season and sign Haaland a year later — but they may be forced to act earlier to avoid missing out.

And that is because City are ready to wrap up an early deal for the Dortmund No9 in order to avoid a long, drawn-out transfer saga like they had with Tottenham’s Harry Kane last summer.

The only other club reported to be able to afford Haaland is Paris Saint-Germain, though moving to Ligue 1 is not thought to be his preference.

In other news

Spanish outlet Sport say Aston Villa are keeping tabs on PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum ahead of a potential summer move. 

The Villans have been quoted a £21million price tag for the former Liverpool man, who is unhappy with his playing time at the Parc des Princes.

Newcastle are ready to table a £50m offer for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to the Mail.

But that falls short of Leverkusen’s £75m asking price for the 22-year-old Frenchman, who has scored 15 goals in 31 appearances this season.

Marca claim Luis Suarez is set to leave Atletico Madrid when his contact expires this summer.

Inter Milan, Ajax and Sevilla have all been linked with the Uruguayan, while a surprise move to Villa has also been touted.