PSG ‘at the front of the queue’ to sign Erling Haaland

Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland has attracted attention from a number of clubs in recent months but reports claim PSG are now favourites to land the goal-machine next summer

Paris Saint-Germain are now reportedly leading the race to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund with his agent Mino Raiola making a huge salary request.

The 21-year-old phenomenon has been hotly pursued by Europe’s biggest clubs since his arrival in Germany, with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City among the list of potential suitors.

But Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport – via Football Italia – has reported that French giants PSG have managed to jump to the front of the queue to secure Haaland’s signature next summer.

They also claim that the Norwegian’s super-agent Raiola is requesting a whopping salary nearing €50million (£42.7million) per year for his client.

The report adds that Borussia Dortmund rejected an offer of around €120million for the striker during the summer transfer window, with Chelsea and Man City in particular having been in search of a number-nine.

Dortmund decided it would be in their interest to keep Haaland for another season despite a contractual clause coming into play next summer which allows him to leave for only €75million (£68million).

At that point it is expected that the elite clubs will express their interest and it will be up to Haaland to decide his favoured destination.

But Raiola’s substantial wage demands will benefit the likes of PSG who have the financial power to entice Haaland with personal terms, most recently having offered Lionel Messi a £35million-per-season contract after tax.

Haaland’s move to PSG will become even more likely should Kylian Mbappe make his highly-anticipated switch to Real Madrid next summer.

Mbappe’s contract runs out in 2022 and a move will open up salary-space for the potentially incoming Haaland.

This year’s Champions League may also play a part int he forward’s decision, with PSG looking to win the competition for the first time after narrowly missing out in recent seasons.