Man Utd now battling Chelsea for Erling Haaland after 2019 fears stopped deal

Manchester United are set to go head-to-head with Chelsea for Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window.

Haaland, 20, is slowly emerging as the most sought-after young player in European football right now, with his breathtaking return of 43 goals in 44 appearances for Borussia Dortmund earning him a host of potential suitors.

It is believed the Norwegian striker will be at the centre of a fierce tug-of-war when the transfer window eventually reopens this summer, despite the fact a £65million release clause will be inserted into his Dortmund contract in 2022.

United and Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for his signature, but Manchester City are also said to be in the running.

According to the Evening Standard, United came close to signing Haaland back in 2019, only for agent Mino Raiola’s demand for a £65million release clause in his contract to put them off.

Old Trafford chiefs were understood to have been ‘terrified’ by the thought of a release clause in the deal, as they felt it would have left them with no control over the player.

A fee as low as £65million meant Raiola could simply sell to the highest bidder, which looks likely to be the case if Haaland remains a Dortmund player until the summer of 2022.

The super-agent has not seen eye-to-eye with United officials in recent years, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer publicly condemning him over his controversial comments about Paul Pogba at the back end of 2020.

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    • He also has a bitter relationship with Pep Guardiola, which could provide a stumbling block in City’s pursuit of Haaland.

    That did not stop young defender Philippe Sandler from moving to the Etihad, nevertheless, and Haaland also has an affection with City due to his father’s time as a player there.

    Solskjaer has also previously worked with his compatriot at Molde, meaning Chelsea need to secure Champions League football for next season if they want to stand any chance of trumping both Manchester club’s in the race for his signature.

    READ MORE:Man Utd urged to 'move heaven and earth' to sign Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe

    READ MORE:Chelsea keen on 17-year-old Lucas Gourna-Douath – with £23m enough to agree deal

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