‘He’s already in England’ – Dortmund chief jokes about Haaland
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has jokingly said Erling Haaland is ‘already in England’ as speculation over his future intensifies.
The Norwegian goalscorer is a rumoured target of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
He’s become one of the top strikers on the continent by bagging 57 goals in just 59 games for Dortmund.
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Haaland was due to return for a pre-season fitness session on Monday but didn’t turn up.
When quizzed on the whereabouts of his star player, Zorc quipped: “He’s already in England!”
Chelsea are thought to be preparing a huge £150million bid for the 20-year-old, who is contracted with Dortmund until June 2024.
Stamford Bridge is now his most likely destination as the two Manchester clubs focus on England talisman Harry Kane.
Haaland has already shrugged off rumours of a transfer by saying he will remain loyal to his Dortmund contract.
Speaking at the end of May, the player said: “I have a contract for a couple of years, so I am respectful towards my contract.
“I am a simple guy. When I like something I just want to have more – when I score a goal, I always chase the next goal.”
Haaland is represented by super-agent Mino Raiola. He got the ball rolling over a move by organising a trip across Europe to discuss his partner’s future.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly urged club officials to sign Haaland ‘immediately’.
Such a transfer would give the manager plenty of time to prepare for the new Premier League campaign.
He would be able to figure out his best formation with Haaland up top. It could mean Germany international Timo Werner is forced onto the bench.
Should Dortmund hold off Chelsea’s transfer push then Romelu Lukaku could be targeted instead.
He was a Chelsea player between 2011 and 2014 but had to rely on loan spells for game time.
Following transfers to Everton and United, he’s now a deadly goalscorer in Italy with Inter Milan.
Last term he registered 24 goals in 36 games as the Nerazzurri achieved Serie A glory.
Inter’s lack of finances mean Lukaku could be available for far less than Haaland.