Manchester United appear to have moved into pole position to sign Austrian wonderkid Erling Braut Haaland from Red Bull Salzburg after Serie A side Napoli reportedly pulled out of the race for the player.
The 19-year-old, whose father Alf-Inge played for United’s bitter rivals Manchester City between 2000-2003, has been a revelation this season, scoring 12 goals in 10 appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga and grabbing the attention of Europe by scoring six goals in the Champions League, including a hat-trick against Genk and a goal against Liverpool .
It was thought that that performance against Napoli had impressed the Italian club so much that they would make an attempt to sign the player in January, but according to Corriere dello Sport they have now accepted defeat in the chase, and believe he will end up at United.
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The Red Devils also have the advantage of the influence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who Haaland played under at Molde, with the two thought to have a good relationship.
Italian scout Loris Boni also added fuel to the fire of speculation about a move to Old Trafford by suggesting it could be a good opportunity for the player.
When asked about where he believes Haaland may end up, Boni said: “Definitely in a great club. Salzburg, an excellent team, can only be a springboard for someone like him.
“If, then, his compatriot Solskjaer remains as coach at Manchester United , I think he can go there. Solskjaer was also the one who made him debut at Molde, as he coached the club at the time.”
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United are known to be looking at striking options following the sale of last season’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan over the summer, with the likes of Mario Mandzukic from Juventus or Callum Wilson from Bournemouth being suggested as possible targets.
