Man United end Haaland chase, Spanish giants now firm favourites to sign goalmachine

Manchester United’s long pursuit of Erling Haaland has come to an end, with the club deciding to pursuit other attacking targets instead, according to reports.

The Red Devils were for a long time considered one of the clubs that had the best chance of signing the Borussia Dortmund striker when fellow Norwegian – and his former Molde manager – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.

However, it’s now claimed Old Trafford chiefs have other priorities in the transfer market and have moved on from competing for the in-demand goalmachine’s signature.

The 21-year-old superstar is widely expected to depart the German club in the upcoming summer transfer window, when a €75million release clause in his contract becomes active.

According to ESPN, the Borussia Dortmund star favours a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, and that had led to Manchester United pulling out of the running.

However, the Red Devils will continue to chase other attacking targets in the transfer market to find a proven goalscorer.

Edinson Cavani’s contract expires this summer and he could leave the club as a free agent, while Cristiano Ronaldo turns 37 next month and has been linked with an exit just one year into his two-year contract.

The report claims United’s sacking of Solskjaer didn’t dampen their prospects of signing Haaland, despite his connection with the former manager – who handed the Norwegian star his senior debut at old club Molde.

Haaland’s representatives have admired United interim coach Ralf Rangnick’s work at previous clubs but, with the club enduring another transition phrase, it is suggested joining United is not considered the best fit for one of the world’s most coveted young players.

Real Madrid have now emerged as favourites to secure his signature, along with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, in what could be a stunning double summer transfer.

Manchester City are thought to still be in the running, though.

United’s noisy neighbours have been strongly linked with the Norwegian star, who could follow in the footsteps of his father, Alfe-Inge Haaland, who played for the Citizens from 2000 to 2003 and now is helping to guide his son in his career.