Rumour Has It: Raiola request ended Manchester United's interest in Haaland
Erling Haaland's decision to join Borussia Dortmund brought an end to one of Europe's most fascinating transfer stories.
Manchester United had been in the frame for his signature but were reportedly put off by a key demand from the striker's representatives.
As often seems to be the case for the Red Devils, Mino Raiola's involvement led to complications.
TOP STORY – UNITED PULLED PLUG ON HAALAND BID
According to The Guardian, United abandoned their bid for the highly sought-after Haaland after learning of a request from his agent, Raiola, and father Alf-Inge Haaland.
The pair reportedly asked for a share of any future transfer fee for the 19-year-old, a stipulation the Old Trafford outfit were unwilling to meet despite their firm interest.
Haaland settled on Dortmund after the Bundesliga side activated his Salzburg buyout clause.
He had been linked to RB Leipzig, Juventus and several more top European clubs after emerging as a Champions League star.
Borussia Dortmund beat Manchester United to signing of Erling Braut Haaland https://t.co/3uQ69m3iL1 By @LukeMcLaughlin
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) December 29, 2019
ROUND-UP
- Haaland's arrival at Dortmund could lead LaLiga side Atletico Madrid to narrow the transfer focus on Spanish striker Paco Alcacer, according to Marca. The former Barcelona player has struggled to cement a place in BVB's starting XI and represents a cheaper option in terms of wages than Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, an apparent favourite of Diego Simeone.
- AS, meanwhile, reports on potential movements elsewhere in the Spanish capital. The newspaper claims Real Madrid are preparing to recall Jesus Vallejo from his loan spell at Wolves, with a view to finding him more playing time. That could lead to a short-term switch to Leganes or Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Juventus are close to extending Wojciech Szczesny's contract yet the Serie A champions remain admirers of Milan star Gianluigi Donnarumma and Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen, according to CalcioMercato.
- Tammy Abraham wants a better deal at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea are not yet prepared to accept his demand for parity with Callum Hudson-Odoi's £180,000 per week salary, reports The Athletic.
- Manchester City are set to beat Premier League rivals United, Arsenal and Liverpool to the January signing of Barcelona's teenage left-back Juan Larios, says the Daily Star.