Transfer Talk: Haaland set for City talks as United join Tchouameni race

Erling Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola is expected to hold talks with Manchester City in January over a potential move for the 21-year-old next summer.

The Borussia Dortmund striker is one of Europe’s hottest properties, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid all linked with moves.

The Norway international’s contract, which runs until 2024, contains a £64million release clause which becomes active next summer.

And the Times are reporting that Haaland, whose father Alfe Inge played for the club between 2000 and 2003, is one of City’s top targets.

Manager Pep Guardiola is thought to be keen to bring in a world-class No9 after starting the season without one, following their failed pursuit of England captain Harry Kane.

Haaland would certainly fit that bill after scoring a staggering 68 goals in 67 games since joining Dortmund from FC Salzburg in January 2020.

The report indicates City will face stiff competition from rivals United, who have a long-term interest in the striker.

Haaland played under current Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde during his early career.

Chelsea attempted to sign him this summer to avoid a bidding war but opted for Romelu Lukaku instead, whilst Raiola and Alfe Inge also travelled to Spain to discuss a potential move with Real and Barca in April.

The Spanish giants' precarious financial situations are likely to put wealthy Premier League sides at the front of the queue for the in-demand marksman.

United eyeing Pogba partner

United have joined Chelsea and Juventus in the race for France star Aurelien Tchouameni.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder impressed alongside Paul Pogba in France’s Nations League final victory over Spain.

Their partnership will have no doubt excited Solskjaer, who is desperate to add a high-quality midfielder to his ranks as he looks to upgrade on current options Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.

The Mirror are reporting that the Monaco sensation is high on their list, but they will have to compete with both the Blues and Juve for his signature.

Tchouameni is considered one of Les Blues’ brightest after impressing in Ligue 1 since breaking into Bordeaux’s first team in 2018.

And Pogba, who is now regularly playing with Tchouameni at international level, has lavished praise on his France comrade. 

He told RTL: "[He is] very, very good. He’s not a boy, he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him. 

"He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality. We wish him to play a lot more games and that I am always by his side."

In other news

Liverpool have started negotiations to sign Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele for free next summer, say Mundo Deportivo, with Jurgen Klopp said to be "in love" with the winger.

Juve pair Matthijs de Ligt and Federico Chiesa are among Newcastle United’s ambitious transfer targets, according to Tuttosport.

Meanwhile, Sport claim the Magpies will make Barca defender Clement Lenglet their first signing since their big-money takeover.