Chelsea have been handed a transfer boost in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the Norwegian frontman ahead of the summer, but reports suggest they are not alone in their interest.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are also being credited with an interest in Haaland, who is going to command a huge transfer fee with his £68million release clause not kicking in until 2022.
Amid reports of the big trio's interest, Chelsea have received a big boost with reports from Spain claiming Real Madrid may be forced to drop out of the race.
That's because Real Madrid are struggling with a 'financial crisis' as the impact of coronavirus hits home for many clubs across Europe and indeed the world.
According to Marca, Real Madrid are in a position to ensure they have a competitive squad next season, but when it comes to paying astronomical fees for dream signings Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, Los Blancos are likely to come up short this summer.
The issue is described as a 'serious problem' with Real Madrid in need of a marksman despite Karim Benzema's impressive form in recent years.
Zinedine Zidane's men are currently second in La Liga but seven points behind rivals Atletico Madrid and having played one more game.
On top of that, Real Madrid were stunned during the week when they lost in extra-time to a third-tier side in Alcoyano who had a man sent off before scoring the winner.
That has left Zidane sitting uncomfortably, with Real Madrid set to make a decision over his future at the end of the season when they were hoping to strengthen significantly.
But it seems that won't be the case as the Spanish giants attempt to navigate their way through the financial crisis caused by coronavirus, and that opens the door for Chelsea and Manchester United.
Though, reports from Germany have suggested Haaland will want to stay put for another year to continue his development, perhaps giving Real Madrid another 12 months to save up.
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