Manchester United reportedly went to desperate lengths to sign Erling Haaland last month, offering Red Bull Salzburg three times the striker’s release clause in a last-gasp move to secure his signature.
The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for the Norwegian goalscoring sensation with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperate to bolster his attacking ranks.
Haaland even had his heart set on a move to Old Trafford but United were unable to agree a financial package with his representatives and the striker instead opted for a move to Borussia Dortmund, who triggered his £17million release clause.
However it has now emerged that United were willing to offer Salzburg a whopping £50million in a desperate bid to sign the player.
(Image: REUTERS)
Sportbild claim that United were more than happy to spend a mouthwatering figure in a move they hoped would persuade Salzburg to sell Haaland to the Premier League club.
United were ultimately unable to strike a deal with Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and the striker later joined Dortmund, where he has enjoyed a blistering start to his career.
Haaland, 19, continued his impressive goalscoring streak for Borussia Dortmund as they inflicted a fifth successive Bundesliga defeat on Werder Bremen on Saturday.
(Image: Lars Baron)
Dan-Axel Zagadou volleyed home Jadon Sancho’s corner in the 52nd minute before Haaland swept in at the near post 14 minutes later for his 12th goal in eight games for Dortmund to complete a 2-0 win.
Teenager Haaland has now become the first player in the history of the Bundesliga to score nine goals in his first six matches.
Haaland has now netted 12 goals in his eight games in all competitions for Dortmund after joining in the winter break – and last week Solskjaer heaped praise on his compatriot.
(Image: Scanpix Norway/PA Images)
“I normally never comment on opposition players,” Solskjaer, who coached Haaland at Molde, said. “But since I’ve had Erling, I’m just delighted for him.
“He’s a top boy, an absolutely fantastic kid you want the best for and he’s started fantastically with Dortmund, so we just watch him.
“For Norway, it’s brilliant for us that we have a striker who can score a goal again.”
