Reports in England claim Manchester United target Erling Braut Haaland’s father has been seen at the club’s training ground at Carrington as the Red Devils ramp up their pursuit of the in-demand Red Bull Salzburg striker.
The 19-year-old forward is attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs after a brilliant start to the new season, scoring an astonishing 26 goals in 18 games in all competitions.
While the level in Austria might leave a little to be desired, Haaland has scored seven of his goals in the Champions League – including a strike at Anfield.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows all about Haaland from their time together at Molde and, according to reports in Norway, has tasked the club with securing one of the hottest young talents in Europe.
Salzburg, though, will demand a massive fee for the teenager – who has five hat-tricks this season – and United could consider doing a deal in January and then loaning Haaland back to the club for the rest of the season, report the Metro.
Now The Athletic’s David Ornstein has added more weight to the speculation, reporting that Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, has visited United’s training ground.
The 46-year-old, who has previously rubbished suggestions his own ties to Manchester City could affect his son’s next move, was spotted at Carrington, suggesting United are already rolling out the red carpet.
Any deal could be complicated by Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, who has a rather fractious relationship with United once again as Paul Pogba continues to stall over a new contract.
Alf-Inge famously clashed with Roy Keane during his playing days and was on the receiving end of a brutal challenge from the United midfielder, though has nevertheless talked up interest from the Red Devils.
Speaking to TV2 in September, he said: “It would be nice [interest from United and others]. It is important to distinguish between being a supporter and a job. So, I have a very relaxed relationship. It’s a little different when it’s serious.”
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