Manchester United’s plan to sign Erling Haaland next summer looks to be falling into place.
United officials are said to be “excited” by the prospect of Chelsea missing out on the Borussia Dortmund striker.
The prolific Norway international is wanted by both clubs. But Dortmund has dug their heels in and made it clear the 21-year-old will remain with the Bundesliga club for at least one more season.
“I have the clear expectation that Erling Haaland will play for us next year,” Watzke told Sport Bild back in May. “And I don’t waste any thoughts on anything else.”
Dortmund has repeated that message all summer and only now have Chelsea changed their focus to Romelu Lukaku.
That has come as a major boost to United, who will pursue Haaland in 2022 when Edinson Cavani is expected to become a free agent.
Eurosport’s Dean Jones told the Football Terrace podcast: “Borussia Dortmund will be closing the door at the end of the week because they need to concentrate on the new season. Erling Haaland knows that he has so many options open to him next summer.
“Man United, by the way, are becoming quite excited by all this the fact that Haaland might still be on the market next summer.”
Haaland is believed to have a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave for around €75m next summer.
Of course, BVB could get more this month, but they are banking on the striker firing them into the Champions League again.