Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle to sign superstar striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for a reported bargain fee of £51million.

Haaland, 21, is regarded as one of the finest talents in world football and City's announcement ends months of speculation over his future.

The Norwegian ace has netted 85 goals in just 88 games at Dortmund but the Premier League leaders swooped by activating his release clause, with personal terms yet to be agreed.

A club statement said: "Manchester City can confirm we have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland to the club on July 1, 2022. 

"The transfer remains subject to the club finalising terms with the player."

Guardiola will hope the Leeds-born marksman can fire the Citizens to Champions League glory next term, with this season's European campaign ending in a calamitous capitulation at Real Madrid.

City have been in the market for a No9 since the departure of Sergio Aguero in May 2021. 

England striker Harry Kane was their first-choice target last summer but the move for the Tottenham talisman fell through.

And the seven-time English champions have moved quickly this time around to put themselves on the verge of landing Bundesliga phenom Haaland.