Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Erling Haaland after Red Bull Leipzig conceded they are likely to be priced out of a move for the RB Salzburg goalscoring sensation.
Haaland, 19, has scored 28 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this term and has five hat-tricks to his name, including one on his Champions League debut.
That stunning form has seen him linked with a number of European giants including United, who are keen to bolster their attacking ranks when the transfer window reopens next month.
Haaland worked with Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during their brief spell together at Molde and the striker is believed to be keen on a reunion.
United, however, have faced fierce competition from Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign one of European football's hottest talents.
But Leipzig's head of soccer, Oliver Mintzlaff, has admitted that United's financial muscle gives them the advantage in the race to sign Haaland, who is the son of former Leeds and Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge.
"Yes, we met with him. We are interested in the player, great interest," he told Sport1. "He listened to it, logically, and is very open to a move. He would like to change (clubs) in summer at the latest.
"It is not easy. There's Manchester United , Juventus , Borussia Dortmund. There are a few other clubs as well.
"Of course, our club also has certain guard rails and limits. And I have named the clubs that compete, and there may be salary regions that we don't want to go into. (The fee) is still manageable, but the package does not only consist of the transfer fee.
"It's the same cliche again: we can buy everything and we can get everything and we can do everything. Unfortunately, we can't, otherwise Haaland would already be with us."
