Manchester United plot £85m Haaland deal – but Real Madrid or Barcelona remain his preference

Erling Braut Haaland Red Bull Salzburg

Haaland has been in prolific form for Salzburg this season - announcing himself as one of Europe's next big stars.

The Norwegian striker has netted 26 times in 18 games which is a staggering 1.44 goals per 90 minutes.

He also entered the record books when he scored his seventh goal in his first four games in the Champions League - two more than any other player managed.

Since joining Salzburg in January of this year, Haaland has developed at an exponential rate and he's caught the eye of football's biggest clubs in the process.

Manchester United have long been admirers and are hoping to strike a deal in the winter transfer window, according to the Mirror.

Erling is the son of Alfe-Inge Haaland - former Manchester City, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest player.

Alfe-Inge recently stated that his son would like to play in the Premier League one day.

However, Haaland junior reportedly prefers a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona in La Liga.

Real Madrid are believed to be keen on the 19-year-old despite signing Luka Jovic, 21, from Frankfurt last summer.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are understood to be seeking a new number nine to succeed Luis Suarez as the main striker at Camp Nou.

But it is Haaland's relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that United hope will make the difference when push comes to shove.

Solskjaer oversaw Haaland's move to Molde in Norway and handed the youngster his professional debut.

The Red Devils are also thought to be open to loaning Haaland back to Salzburg for the remainder of the season so he can continue his development and start fresh next season.

READ MORE...

Louis Saha: Why I ‘needed to leave’ Manchester United after Champions League win

Louis Saha exclusive: Ruud van Nistelrooy made Cristiano Ronaldo cry at Manchester United training

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed