A report from Spain suggests Real Madrid are in pole position to sign goalscoring sensation Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund next year, going as far as claiming Los Blancos have a 'verbal pact' with the German side.
Haaland - who has scored a ludicrous 63 goals in 64 games for Dortmund - is almost certain to depart Signal Iduna Park in the near future having remained this summer despite strong interest from Chelsea. His £68m release clause comes into play in 2022, and that is likely to spark a monumental scramble for his signature.
However, according to Diario Madridista, Real's good relationship with BVB has seen them seal 'first refusal' for the striker, and the player has already said 'yes' to the Spanish giants.
They say Dortmund and Haaland turned down advances from Paris Saint-Germain, Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool during the summer, who supposedly only wants to join Los Blancos.
If you think that's farfetched, it's also claimed that Real will sign the 21-year-old as well as, rather than instead of, Kylian Mbappe...although if the summer 2021 transfer window is anything to go by, stranger things have happened.
The report adds that Haaland wants to form a fearsome strike partnership with Mbappe, and that desire has left the Madrid side feeling confident they'll get their man despite the stiff competition.
The two clubs' strong relationship purportedly stems from Real's 'respectful' handling of Haaland this summer, with Los Blancos recognising that BVB would not sell in 2021 and deciding against making any enquiries during the transfer window.
Dortmund reciprocated that approach by giving Los Merengues first refusal for the sought-after Norway international.
Madrid's main concern in negotiations is said to be the forward's agent, Mino Raiola, who has a fractious relationship with the club and is certain to demand a hefty commission to broker the deal. Because of that, the Spanish side may use an intermediary or speak to Haaland's father directly instead.
This article was originally published on 90min as Borussia Dortmund have 'verbal agreement' with Real Madrid over Erling Haaland.
Source: www.90min.com