Man City transfer latest – Haaland situation update as Southampton star targeted

Man City moved 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League over the weekend and already have one eye on the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their attacking options

Every passing day seems to offer up a fresh twist in the Erling Haaland transfer saga and with six months until the end of the season and the start of the summer transfer window, this is just the beginning.

After Haaland claimed on Friday night that Borussia Dortmund were putting pressure on him to make a decision about his future, the club have hit back and denied doing such thing.

Man City will be keen to start talks with the German club after earmarking the striker as their priority signing in the summer and the fresh quotes from sporting director Michael Zorc can only speed up that process.

It’s also claimed elsewhere that City are monitoring James Ward-Prowse at Southampton, potentially as a long-term successor to Ilkay Gundogan.

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Dortmund comment on Haaland

City missing out on Harry Kane last summer always meant that they would go big 12 months later in an attempt to replace Sergio Aguero’s goals.

That they are comfortably sitting atop the Premier League is a testament to the work done on the training field by Pep Guardiola, his assistants and the City players.

That hasn’t stopped them from planning to sign natural goalscorer Erling Haaland in the summer and the Norwegian said on Friday that Dortmund have put pressure on him to decide his next move.

But the club have denied that, with Zorc telling Kicker: “Erling’s statements surprised us a bit.

“There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional.”

‘Concrete interest’ in Milan striker

A Haaland alternative has been found in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.

While City see the Norwegian as their main target, an alternative is needed in case Haaland opts to make a preferred move to Spain or perhaps another Premier League club.

According to Sempre Milan, City’s interest in the striker is ‘concrete’ having seen him score seven goals and lay on a further five in 22 appearances this season.

Leao will have two years left on his contract in the summer and Milan have reportedly opened talks with his representatives in a bid to keep him in Italy long-term.

City eye Saints captain

With an abundance of riches in the middle of midfield, City are still looking to strengthen and have shown an interest in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.

The nine-capped England international as continued to impress in a talented Saints squad and has drawn the interest of a number of top league clubs.

Fichajes suggests that City are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the 27-year-old who is prolific from set-pieces.

The report adds that Ward-Prowse is seen as an alternative for Ilkay Gundogan given that the English midfielder offers something than his German counterpart.