Erling Haaland transfer chase is ‘straight contest’ between Man City and Real Madrid in blow to Man Utd

MANCHESTER CITY and Real Madrid are reportedly the front runners in the race to sign Erling Haaland in a bitter blow to Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been long-time admirers of the Borussia Dortmund striker as they look to reaffirm their status amongst football’s elite.

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City and Real are leading the race to sign Haaland – to Man United’s detriment[/caption]

United are in dire need of a striker with Cristiano Ronaldo now 37 and fellow veteran Edinson Cavani reportedly heading towards the exit.

The Old Trafford outfit also look set to lose Anthony Martial permanently once his loan to Sevilla ends at the end of the season although the Spanish club doesn’t intend on keeping him.

Mason Greenwood’s suspension has also had a major impact on the squad.

Ralf Rangnick’s side were willing to pay Haaland’s £65million release clause to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams.

However, it’s emerged that United’s neighbours City and La Liga leaders Real are the two favourites to land the Norwegian prodigy.

United’s 4-1 loss to rivals City on Sunday afternoon wouldn’t have done their Haaland pursuit any good.

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According to The Athletic, City and Real are the only two interested parties that can afford Haaland’s release clause fee – along with his £825,000-a-week wage demands and his agent Mino Raiola’s £47m commission.

Paris Saint-Germain could also afford the forward’s combined transfer costs but he’s got no interest in joining Lionel Messi in the French capital.

Los Blancos are keen on hauling Haaland in to accompany PSG ace Kylian Mbappe in a devastating new attack.

But The Athletic claim Real are willing to wait until the end of next season to sign Haaland as that’s when Karim Benzema’s contract is up.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have made completing Mbappe’s free transfer from PSG their top priority.

The French superstar’s contract with the Parisiens runs out at the end of the season and it looks increasingly unlikely that he’ll sign a new deal.

However, City may force Real to speed up their plans as the Etihad giants are eager to wrap up Haaland’s signature this summer.

Pep Guardiola’s side missed out on Harry Kane last summer and aren’t willing to suffer the same fate with Haaland.

But there could yet be another twist in Haaland’s transfer saga as Real’s Spanish rivals Barcelona are also hot on his heels.

And Barca boss Xavi hinted that he was confident that the Catalan giants will win the race for Haaland just a few days ago.