Manchester United have given up on signing Erling Haaland in the summer with Real Madrid favourites in the race for the striker's signature.

ESPN claim Old Trafford chiefs will pursue other options after being informed that the Borussia Dortmund hitman is keen on a move to the Spanish capital.

United are long-term admirers of the prolific Norway star, who played under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde before his move to RB Leipzig.

Haaland has a £62million release clause in his Dortmund contract and there is expected to be a fierce battle to sign him in the summer.

Real are believed to be in pole position but United's rivals Manchester City have also been strongly linked with a move as Pep Guardiola looks to add an out-and-out striker to his star-studded squad.

Leeds-born Haaland, 21, has found the net 15 times in just 13 Bundesliga appearances this season and has a staggering 79 goals in 78 games for BVB.

Los Blancos are also pursuing Kylian Mbappe, who is available on a free this summer, and intend to partner two of Europe's most lethal goalscorers in a formidable attack.

But Paris Saint-Germain have not given up on convincing the France superstar, 23, to extend his stay in the capital.

In other news

City are closing in on a deal for five-cap Argentina international Julian Alvarez, according to Sky Sports. 

The report suggests the move will see the 21-year-old prospect, who is also being tracked by Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, return to River Plate until the end of the season.

Liverpool are set to compete against Dortmund and Bayern Munich to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria, say ESPN. 

Football Insider claim Ajax and Mexico star Edson Alvarez is being chased by Chelsea, Leicester and Crystal Palace.

Leeds are set to offer talisman Raphinha a new deal to fend off interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, according to the Daily Star.

L'Equipe are reporting that Nice want Tottenham forward Bryan Gil on loan until the end of the season.