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Man Utd have growing belief they are ‘genuine option’ to sign Erling Haaland

Manchester United believe their chances of signing Erling Haaland have grown due to the contract extension they awarded to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to a report.

Haaland is one of the hottest properties in world football thanks to his goalscoring exploits with Borussia Dortmund. Since joining them from RB Salzburg, where he was also prolific, in January 2020, he has scored 41 goals in 41 games. His record is astonishing and he seems a likely candidate for the Ballon d’Or in the post-Messi and Ronaldo era.

Dortmund face a battle to keep Haaland this summer while his market value is high. Next year, he will be available for the relative bargain of a €75m release clause, which is not a fair reflection of his value.

Were Dortmund to sell him this summer, they would be able to fetch a much higher fee, so they must weigh up the pros and cons of keeping him for one more year or cashing in.

Whatever they decide, Haaland will remain on the agenda of many of Europe’s elite clubs. He has already been heavily linked with Chelsea, who are aiming to find a more reliable striker.

There were also links with Manchester City in the past, although they are unlikely to spend big on a striker this year despite it being a position of need.

Of all the big Premier League clubs Haaland could end up at, one of the least likely would seem to be Manchester United. The striker was born in Leeds and still supports Leeds United, one of the clubs his father Alf-Inge used to play for. Another was Man City.

Rivals with both clubs, Man Utd would not seem like Haaland’s first choice if he was to move. But according to the Daily Star, the Red Devils remain interested in him and think they may be able to tempt him still.

United tried to sign Haaland before he went to Dortmund, but it was deemed more appropriate for him to use a stepping stone. It now seems he was capable of performing at the top level all along. Hence, that transfer avenue could open up to him again.

A recent report claimed United would be willing to offer Anthony Martial to Dortmund to sweeten a deal for Haaland.

Since then, Dortmund have continued to insist that Haaland is not for sale this summer. But whenever it is time for him to move, United may have a chance.

The Daily Star claim that United’s show of faith in Solskjaer may help persuade Haaland to join. He previously played under his compatriot at Molde, where he launched his career.

United gave Solskjaer a new contract as manager recently, ensuring he will be in the Old Trafford dugout for years to come. After reaching the Europa League final last season, they will hope to continue their progress. The club will back the boss in the transfer market as a result.

They have shown their intent with the big-money capture of Jadon Sancho from Dortmund and may go back in for his teammate Haaland. However, the Star suggest they would wait until next summer, when his release clause is active.

Therefore, Chelsea remain the favourites to sign him this summer if he does move anywhere. But if not, United will be a “genuine option”, it is claimed, for next year.

Haaland not thinking about transfer yet

The 21-year-old may cost upwards of £150m in the current transfer window. It would be an extraordinary fee, even by his own admission.

Speaking during media duties with Dortmund recently, Haaland seemed to suggest a move was unlikely this year.

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“I hope it’s only rumours because it’s a lot of money for a person,” he said.

“First of all I have three years left on my contract. I’m enjoying my time here. But of course the trophy [last season’s DFB-Pokal] was important because that’s what I want.”

He then proceeded to joke with a reporter about his ongoing links with Chelsea…

READ MOREErling Haaland cracks Chelsea joke as he scythes down transfer talk

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