Haaland £138m or no deal

a proven pedigree. And after losing to the Londoners in the Champions League Final, Premier League champions City are seeking a replacement for Sergio Aguero.

But Dortmund do not want to sell – and the deal to allow Sancho to join United means they will not cash in on Haaland unless the price is right.

The financial impact of Covid has been such that the Bundesliga giants had to raise cash despite yet again qualifying for the Champions League.

Sancho (above) also had just two years left on his contract – and that prompted Dortmund to re-evaluate the £108m asking price they quoted United a year ago.

Haaland is under contract until 2024.

And while there is a buy-out clause in the agreement that will come into effect next year, Dortmund insist it is much higher than the £67m that has been previously quoted.

Haaland has scored 57 goals in 59 appearances for the club since his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg.

Dortmund are hoping that another prolific season will draw out yet more potential buyers.

United have also been long-term admirers of Haaland and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has remained close to the player after managing him when he was emerging at Molde.

United have kept Edinson Cavani for another season after also being put off by the price, but they will come into the reckoning next year.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are two other potential destinations, but both lack the finances to make a big-money move after being badly hit by the pandemic.