Erling Haaland looks set to be on the move in the summer transfer window - and Manchester United refuse to rule themselves out the race.
It is widely reported that the Red Devils are amongst a host of clubs who will throw their hat in the ring to sign Haaland as he looks set to depart Borussia Dortmund.
The Manchester Evening News claimed in December that Ralf Rangnick has spoken to Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, about the prospect of moving the Old Trafford.
The pair have an existing relationship after Rangnick was Red Bull sporting director when the Norwegian moved from Molde to Red Bull Salzburg in 2018.
Haaland will remain on United’s shortlist until the moment he joins another club, with the striker viewed as a generational talent.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Where will Erling Haaland be playing his football next season? Join the discussion in the comments section.
Spanish outlet AS are the latest to reiterate that they will make an approach for him this summer - but United must be well-aware that the chances of landing Haaland are slim.
Without securing a Champions League finish, those chances would presumably drop from slim to none.
Even if United are able to secure a top four finish, it is hard to see a way that they land one of the most in-demand players in world football.
On the pitch, the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City provide much more sure-fire opportunities for silverware both domestically and in Europe.
Even amid their current struggles, Barcelona and Real Madrid look far more likely to become dominant European powers again in the near future compared to United.
Financially, Haaland will have no shortage of suitors able to match or exceed what United can offer, including their near neighbours City if he wants to test himself in the Premier League.
There is also the small matter of Mino Raiola, Haaland’s agent who has a chequered past with United.
Whilst he will not prevent his client from heading to Old Trafford, it is hard to envisage a scenario where he is pushing him in that direction.
It is understandable that United must put themselves in the mix to sign Haaland. After all, you have to buy a ticket to win the raffle.
But, deep down, they will already know the answer to their transfer enquiries is almost certain to be a ‘thanks, but no thanks’.
Given more pressing issues elsewhere, such as in midfield, that far from spells disaster for their summer transfer ambitions.
It will, however, serve as a reminder that United, despite still being a major pull, can no longer have things all their own way in the transfer market.
