Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly met Erling Braut Haaland on Friday to discuss a potential January transfer.
Haaland has become one of Europe’s hottest transfer properties after firing in 28 goals in 22 games for Red Bull Salzburg this season – including eight in the Champions League group stages.
The Norwegian striker, 19, is believed to be United’s top target as they seek a forward and two central midfielders over the next two transfer windows.
And Solskjaer flew to Salzburg on Friday for urgent talks with Haaland , according to the Daily Mail.
The publication claims Solskjaer went on a mission to Austria after it emerged that Haaland had met with representatives of Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in the preceding days.
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He then returned to Manchester to prepare his United side for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer will no doubt be hoping the personal touch will help persuade Haaland, who played under the United boss when Solskjaer was manager of Norwegian club Molde.
And while United’s rebuilding plans may be more dependent on the summer transfer window, there is a chance any move for Haaland could be brought forward to the January window – especially with Salzburg now out of the Champions League.
Meanwhile, United hero Dimitar Berbatov urged Solskjaer to avoid signing the striker – because it could disrupt Marcus Rashford’s development.
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“I don’t think United need to sign a striker in January as they have decent options up front already,” said former striker Berbatov.
“I want Marcus Rashford to get better and better, I’m a big admirer of Anthony Martial and am keen to see Mason Greenwood get more time on the pitch.
“I think United have the talent there and signing a new striker, whether it’s an emerging talent like Haaland or the more experienced Mario Mandzukic, could discourage their young players.
“Haaland would offer United something different, but coming from Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga would be a massive step up, so United need to think carefully about if he’s the right man and how he would fit in with their style of play.”
