Manchester City are reported to have made Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland the clubs 'leading striker target' this summer as rumours surrounding the Norweigan's future again begin to gather momentum.
The 21-year-old, who is represented by super agent Mino Raiola, is being watched by a whole host of Europe's top clubs ahead of this summer's transfer window, with City now seeing the forward as their top priority.
According to the Telegraph, the Blues are seen as the likely destination for the Dortmund forward, with a mere £75m release clause seen to be no problem in terms of negotiating the deal.
Haaland's agent Mino Raiola told German TV channel Sport1 that his client 'can and will take the next step'.
Raiola said, “ Bayern, Real, Barcelona, City – these are the big clubs he can go to. City have won the championship five times in recent years, significantly more than United. When we moved to Dortmund, we all knew that this step would come.
“Maybe this summer, maybe the summer after. But there is a great chance that Erling will leave this summer.”
Those comments caused a stir, and Raiola has since "clarified" his comments with another statement.
He said: "The four clubs I have mentioned about Haaland's future were just an example to say that, when he leaves, he will go to one of the top 15 European clubs. Now Erling's focus is solely on football, there are no negotiations with any club.
"And I reaffirm what I said - it's not a sure thing that he will leave this summer, maybe it will be in the one after that."
With long-standing forward Sergio Aguero leaving the club earlier this year, Harry Kane was seen as a potential replacement. With no deal struck during this summer window, it is now thought Haaland can be the replacement forward when next years summer window opens up.
Elsewhere, Ferran Torres future at the Etihad Stadium remains a hot topic too, with Barcelona now seeming the likely destination for a player who has struggled to cement a first-team place in Pep Guardiola's side.
Torres, who joined the Blues from Valencia in August 2020, has made just 7 appearances so far this season, largely through an injury sustained to his foot back in October.
But with Barcelona, and more seemingly, new managed Xavi interested in prizing the 21-year-old away from Manchester, it is rumoured a deal could be struck this summer for the winger.
Reports on TeamTalk claim with a 5-year-deal and personal terms now all secured and a 'breeze', the only major stumbling block would be the fee between the two teams.
The claims state City have lowered their initial asking price for Torres from €70m to €60m, with Barcelona seemingly hovering around the £45m mark for the Spaniard.
City have not confirmed any negotiations as yet, though Torres is open to a move.
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