Manchester United transfer target Erling Haaland has previously admitted that he is a footballer thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, amid Ralf Rangnick's desire to bring the Norwegian to Old Trafford.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News , Rangnick is pushing to add the Borussia Dortmund striker to his armoury, as the race for his signature continues to intensify.
Haaland, who has netted 19 goals in 16 appearances this season, is considered as one of the most exciting talents in the world and an almighty battle to secure his services is poised to engulf next year, with a €75million release clause within his contract becoming active in 2022.
The striker, who has scored 76 times in 75 appearances for Dortmund, is United's top target to become their long-term first-choice striker, although they are fully aware that they will have to get the better of some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure his services.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo's presence at Old Trafford could help United in their quest to secure his signature, with Haaland having admitted in the past that he would "love to meet him," with the Portuguese star having had a huge influence on his career.
"I would love to meet him and tell him that I'm a footballer thanks to him," Haaland said, speaking last year. "For me, he's always been a role model."
Haaland, despite only being 21, is already being tipped to emulate the success of both Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, highlighting just how much excitement is surrounding his career.
Despite those comparisons, Haaland has vowed to remain focused on himself and his personal game.
He added: "I think only of myself, to improve my game every day. I don't need to talk about Messi and Ronaldo, probably the best players in history.
"I still need a lot to reach them."
Whilst Haaland has hailed Ronaldo's influence on his career, Ronaldo has also addressed the Dortmund striker's talents.
"It is hard to choose just one player to say this one will be the best," Ronaldo said earlier this year. "But I think it is exciting to see this new generation of young players, like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, who are coming through.
"Some players can have one or two great seasons, the really great players are the ones that keep doing it season after season, and that is not so easy to do.
"It takes a lot of hard work, and a lot of commitment."
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