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Manchester United have already laid Erling Haaland transfer groundwork in four ways
Manchester United have transfer interest in Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
Man Utd: Haaland 'hasn't burned bridge' with Reds says pundit
While Manchester United are flying high at present, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. The Norway international has been in sublime form this season, scoring 12 Bundesliga goals from 11 matches so far. And though Chelsea and Real Madrid also want the 20-year-old, Express Sport will now take a look at four ways they’ve already raid the groundwork for a potential arrival in the process.
No hard feelings
United wanted to sign Haaland in January 2019, when the striker was strutting his stuff in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg.
But they were rejected by the forward, who opted to embark on a new adventure in Germany instead.
Solskjaer and Ed Woodward had jetted out to Austria to meet Haaland and could have been forgiven for harbouring a grudge given the move didn’t happen.
But Solskjaer refused to criticise Haaland, instead saying: “I normally never comment on opposition players. But since I’ve had Erling, I’m just delighted for him.
“He’s a top boy, an absolutely fantastic kid, who you want the best for. And for Norway it’s brilliant we have a striker who can score goals again.”
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No Raiola war
Haaland is managed by Mino Raiola, the same super-agent who controls Paul Pogba’s affairs.
He’s been extremely critical of United for their handling of the midfielder, saying in December the midfielder would be leaving at the end of the campaign.
But Solskjaer hasn’t fired back.
The 47-year-old has chosen to toe the line, refusing to become embroiled in a war of words that could do his side more harm than good.
He’s got Raiola back on side by throwing Paul Pogba into his starting XI with increasing regularity.
And that will certainly help when it comes to potentially signing Haaland at the end of the season.
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No big expenses
Back in the summer, United wanted Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham to spruce up Solskjaer’s side.
But rather than spend a fortune, the Red Devils instead decided to be frugal.
The trio would have cost over £150million to recruit and United opted to land Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo for far, far less.
That’s a good thing because Haaland, in the summer, will be pricey.
His £66m release clause doesn’t kick in until 2022 - so, if he leaves, it will be for a premium fee this summer.
No Sancho
Had United signed Sancho, it would have made it difficult for them to recruit Haaland as well.
After all, Dortmund would loathe to lose one their prized assets - never mind both.
But with Sancho at the Westfalenstadion, and no longer a Solskjaer priority, Haaland is the more appealing proposition.
The Norway international is now sitting top of their transfer shortlist.
And where he ends up, with Chelsea and Real Madrid keen as well, is something only time will tell.