Man Utd 3 - 2 Atalanta: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer post-match press conference
Manchester United and Chelsea target Erling Haaland will supposedly demand a whopping £30million per year to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer. The Norwegian has been predictably devastating this season, and although a host of top European clubs are sure to chase his signature when the summer window opens, such a wild wage demand could put some suitors off.
Sky Sports is showing the Premier League & the Champions League. Sign up for a Sky TV membership to watch the games now.
Last weekend, the 21-year-old crowned his return from injury with two goals, although his momentum took a hit after Ajax thrashed Dortmund 4-0 in the week.
Even so, his season’s tally sits at nine goals already, and that only accounts for six Bundesliga games.
With a tempting £65milliion release clause set to be activated next summer, Europe’s top sides are still looking around at one another to figure out who may have the upper hand.
In full knowledge of the leverage he has, Haaland has supposedly taken the opportunity to demand £30m per season according to ESPN.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Red Devils rarely shy away from a transfer battle either, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a history with Haaland from their time together at Molde.
However, with the likes of David De Gea, Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho all collecting crazy wages already, could they really afford to drop another bomb on the wage bill?
Such an extortionate wage demand would undoubtedly leave Haaland a less attractive prospect, despite his relatively cheap transfer fee.
Even UAE-backed City could take issue with such wages, given they have never been a club to hand out insanely high contracts – until Jack Grealish came along at least.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly the Premier League's highest earner (Image: GETTY)
Such figures may come as a surprise given that a recent report from SportBild indicated that money will not play a prominent role in where Haaland decides to play next season.
Still, the temptation will always be there when it is virtually certain that someone would cough up.
As long as the goals continue to flow between now and the end of the season, and we have seen nothing to suggest otherwise, the opportunity to acquire a talent like Haaland may prove too tempting to pass up.