Manchester City won't sign Erling Haaland as they could sign Kylian Mbappe instead.
That's according to former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson, who expects the Borussia Dortmund sensation to join Liverpool or Manchester United next summer.
Despite the record signing of Jack Grealish, City's summer transfer window ended in disappointment as they were unable to replace departed icon Sergio Aguero.
Signing a striker was a priority for the club and their sights were set on Tottenham talisman Harry Kane, but their pursuit was fruitless as a deal could not be agreed with Spurs wanting to keep him. City also flirted with a move for Cristiano Ronaldo, who instead completed a return to United.
So City will have to look into signing a striker next year, when a move for Haaland could become a more appetising option.
A release clause in the Norwegian's contract comes into effect in the summer, which could see him leave Dortmund for around €75million.
The Blues have shown interest in Haaland in the past and a move makes sense due to his connections to the club through his father Alf Inge, but there is bound to be a competitive race for his signature.
Most of Europe's top clubs are said to be interested and Johnson expects United or Liverpool to win the race.
"I would say either Liverpool or Manchester United," the retired right-back told BettingOdds.
"I would have initially said Chelsea but after what they’ve just spent on Romelu Lukaku then I can’t really see that pair playing together, so that rules them out."
When explaining why he doesn't believe City will be in the running, Johnson said he thinks they will instead move for Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season and all signs point to him joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, but Johnson believes City may compete with Los Blancos for him.
He added: "Regarding Manchester City, if Kylian Mbappa is available next summer then I can actually see City and Real Madrid going head to head for him, so that’s why I don’t believe Haaland will end up at either of those sides too."
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