Manchester United handed massive Erling Haaland transfer blow

Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, on February 20, 2021. (Photo by Ina Fassbender / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, on February 20, 2021. (Photo by Ina Fassbender / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Following Anthony Martial’s heroics last season, when he scored 17 goals from 32 Premier League games, many would have thought he was the long-term solution to Manchester United’s problems up top. But the Frenchman has failed to keep up his form and has struggled badly this season.

The signing of Edinson Cavani on deadline day of the last summer transfer window was a shrewd piece of business from the board.

When fit, Cavani still possesses the ability to lead the line for a top Premier League side. But the  34-year-old always runs the risk of getting injured and has had his fitness worries this season as well. As a consequence, Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Haaland’s current contract is believed to have release clause of around £68 million, which becomes active in the summer of 2022.

Manchester United’s Haaland hopes have been dealt a blow

That being said, some sources have suggested that offering a transfer fee exceeding the value of the release clause might help a suitor sign the striker as early as next summer. But that would not be the case, as confirmed by Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc.

When asked about the possibility of Dortmund losing Haaland in the summer, as reported by AS Zorc said:

"“Haaland cannot, does not want to and will not change clubs.”"

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The Norwegian joined the Bundesliga club in January 2020. Reports also believe that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had a private jet readied for his compatriot’s arrival. But it all went in vain as he chose to pursue his career in Germany.

Moving to Dortmund now seems to have been the perfect decision for Haaland. Since joining, the striker has scored 43 goals from 43 appearances. Adding to that ridiculous stat, he has 10 assists to his name as well.

Other than Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus, and apparently all the top European clubs are after him.

Should Anthony Martial fail to regain his goalscoring form by the end of the current campaign, the Red Devils could go all out to sign a regular goalscorer, if not Haaland, then maybe someone else.