‘Intense’ Man City pursuit pushes them ahead of rivals with two advantages noted for Erling Haaland
The “intense” pursuit from Man City for Erling Haaland has reportedly pushed them ahead of the competition with two of their advantages noted.
As the Premier League’s top contenders for Haaland’s signature, City are determined to sign him this summer despite the difficulty of achieving it. They’ve made him their top transfer target – and it seems their persistence is paying off currently.
A report from Mundo Deportivo in Spain has stated that the reigning English champions are ‘very attractive’ for the striker.
And COPE claim Barcelona, who are also in the Haaland hunt, believe City are now ‘best placed’.
They have the finances to fund the move which could cost around €250million (£208m) to complete after his €75m (£62.5m) release clause has been activated.
Pep Guardiola is also said to be a big motivating factor for the 21-year-old.
However, a report from Haaland’s native Norway place City slightly behind Real Madrid, who they have down as favourites.
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Outlet TV2 estimate a 35% chance at the Etihad and a 40% chance at the Santiago Bernabeu. Therefore, there’s not much to separate them.
There’s a pair of reasons which favour City, though. The first is that Haaland would have no competition for a starting place.
In contrast, Real already have Karim Benzema, and are prioritising the free signing of Kylian Mbappe come the end of the season.
Furthermore, City are not chasing any other superstars. So they can dedicate their full attention to his signing.
It’s claimed Guardiola and the City hierarchy have ‘rarely hunted a player as intensely’ as they are doing with Haaland.
They are therefore well in with a shout as it stands.
Guardiola wants Man City extension
Meanwhile, Guardiola would “love” for Fernandinho to sign a one-year contract extension with Man City, but has passed the responsibility to members of the board.
Asked if he would like the Brazilian to continue his playing career into a 10th season with City, Guardiola replied: “I would love it.
“I’m so glad to have him. He’s an incredible captain and player. I have a feeling now at 36, 37, he struggled a little bit coming back from holidays. But now he’s getting his rhythm.
“For him he doesn’t care, he will play against Peterborough. Other players his age wouldn’t want to play there in cold weather. But he wants to help to give rest to Rodri.
“At the end of the season Txiki [Begiristain, director of football] and the club have to decide.”
READ MORE: Guardiola ‘angry’ with one Man City absentee as boss questions way around personnel shortage
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