Jan Aage Fjortoft comments on recent report suggesting Erling Haaland to Manchester City
Transfer expert and former Norwegian striker Jan Aage Fjortoft has commented on reports that Manchester City have struck a deal with Borussia Dortmund for Erling Haaland. The Norwegian's future is one of interest this summer, with three European heavyweights being touted with a move for the striker.
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all fighting to sign the goals-coring machine. It had appeared that Haaland's next destination had been confirmed.
The Daily Mail reported on Friday that Manchester City had sealed a deal for the forward and that personal terms were set to be discussed.
However, Fjortoft has denied the reports. He tweeted:
"There is NOTHING new to report!"
Haaland is reportedly keen to depart his club having spent two seasons in the Bundesliga, becoming one of the world's deadliest strikers. He has scored 80 goals in 79 games for Dortmund. However, he has missed parts of the season while dealing with an injury.
City have been on the lookout for a new striker following Sergio Aguero's departure from the club last summer. Aguero was the Manchester outfit's highest-scoring player in the club's history. His goals had brought huge success to the Etihad Stadium.
Manager Pep Guardiola had his sights set on Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane last summer with the club offering £150 million for the player. Spurs, however, turned down the offer. Kane has since settled back down in north London following some unrest on the back of the failed transfer.
Will Manchester City return for Harry Kane if Erling Haaland moves elsewhere?
Manchester City, despite Fjortoft denying the reports of a move being set, are still favorites to sign the Norway international. Guardiola is a huge admirer of the player and believes the forward can help further City's grip on European football.
However, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also pushing for Haaland, with Barca representatives already meeting with the striker to discuss a potential move to the Nou Camp.
Should Haaland turn City down for La Liga, the Manchester outfit will need to look elsewhere for a striker.
They could try their hand once again at luring Harry Kane to the Etihad. Despite Kane's upturn in form in the last few months, Spurs, as a whole, have underperformed.
They exited the UEFA Conference League in unfortunate circumstances due to complications caused by COVID-19. The London side have exited both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup and will go yet another year without winning a trophy.
Kane may feel it is time to join a side that are legitimate Premier League title contenders. A lack of UEFA Champions League football next at Spurs next season may see him push for a move to City once again.