Man City optimistic of beating Real Madrid to signing striker; Spain eye Luis Enrique replacements

Manchester City are hopeful of beating Real Madrid to the signing of Erling Haaland this summer — ESPN’s Insider Notebook has the latest.

Jump to: Spain draw up shortlist of Luis Enrique replacements | Nkunku, Leipzig set for crunch contract talks | Flamengo-Pereira deal at risk of falling through

Man City confident of beating Real Madrid to Haaland deal

Manchester City are optimistic they can see off competition from Real Madrid to sign striker Erling Haaland this summer, sources have told ESPN.

City are in the market for a striker and are confident they can put together a financial package to cover the €75 million release clause in Haaland’s contract with Borussia Dortmund (which comes into effect this year), the Norwegian’s wages and other associated fees including payments to agents.

Sources said that the departures of Angelino, Ferran Torres and Jack Harrison (for combined fees of around €85m) have left City in a strong financial position ahead of the summer window.

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They also believe the lure of working with Pep Guardiola and a track record of success which has seen the club win three of the last four Premier League titles can convince Haaland to spend the next stage of his career at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland also has a personal connection to City after his father, Alfie, represented the club between 2000 and 2003.

The possible inclusion of a release clause in any contract he signs with City — which would activate at a later date — is considered a hurdle but not one that cannot be overcome.

Sources have told ESPN that Madrid remain interested in the 21-year-old but that signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer this summer is their priority.

Madrid are waiting for the outcome of…