Real Madrid planning to activate Erling Haaland release clause

Not even kicked a ball for City yet; already being linked with a move

Well, what's it been? A week? Two? Erling Haaland hasn't had time to settle himself into life at Manchester City yet after finalising his move from Borussia Dortmund, but never mind. Incredibly, he's already being linked with his next transfer. In the end, City had pretty much a free run at getting Haaland. Manchester United, who had tried to sign him a couple of years ago, were pretty much out fo the running when his dad's mate was sacked as manager, then endured a nightmarish season to make a move to Old Trafford even more unappealing. https://twitter.com/ErlingHaaland/status/1536290497207193601

Real plan to move for Haaland in 2024

Real Madrid, who were also thought to be keen, decided to put all their eggs in a big Kylian Mbappe basket a while ago. That went well. With Mbappe's decision to resist Real's advances and stay put at Paris Saint-Germain not going down well with Florentino Perez, it now seems he's set his sights on Haaland as a future Galactico. A £128m-release clause is also thought to have been part of the deal which saw the big Norwegian move to Manchester. The clause, according to reports, only becomes active in two years' time, which may work perfectly for the European champions.

Haaland seen as ideal Benzema replacement

According to AS, Perez and co. are already working on a plan to activate the clause in 2024. Until then, they appear happy to rely on Karim Benzema, who played a key role in the club's league and cup double last season, producing the best campaign of his life at the age of 34. Real's interest in Haaland is not, the report claims, influenced by their rejection by Mbappe. Unlike that case, where difficult relations between them and PSG are thought to have complicated matters, a move for Haaland in two years appears a little more straightforward. Related links:

• Erling Haaland gives Man City major hint on perfect shirt number
• Erling Haaland: Man City contract contains huge release clause
• Erling Haaland ‘called a wh***’ by Sweden defender, who also threatened to ‘break his legs’