Real Madrid 'could trigger £175m Erling Haaland release clause'

Real Madrid are reportedly considering triggering a €200m (£175m) release clause in Erling Haaland's Manchester City contract during next summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been in remarkable form since joining Man City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022, scoring 67 goals and registering 12 assists in 70 appearances in all competitions.

Haaland played a vital role in the Citizens winning the treble last season, scoring 52 goals and registering nine assists in 53 appearances.

Meanwhile, the Norway international has managed 15 goals and three assists in 17 outings in all competitions this term, and there have been suggestions that Man City are keen to sign him to another contract despite the fact that he has four years left to run on his current deal.

Haaland's future is the subject of ongoing speculation, though, as he is believed to be keen to play in La Liga at some stage in the not too distant future.

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Real Madrid have allegedly cooled their interest in Kylian Mbappe despite the fact that the Paris Saint-Germain attacker could be available on a free transfer next summer.

According to AS, a move for Haaland is now being seriously considered by senior figures at Bernabeu.

There have been contrasting reports over the existence of a release clause in the striker's deal, but the report claims that there is a buy-out fee of €200m (£175m).

Haaland's close relationship with Jude Bellingham, with the pair previously teammates at Borussia Dortmund, has allegedly strengthened Real Madrid's position in their pursuit of the Norwegian.

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Should Haaland manage to again secure silverware with Man City this season, there have been suggestions that he could move on in search of the next challenge.

Real Madrid did not directly replace Karim Benzema last summer following the Frenchman's surprise departure, but Joselu arrived on loan from Espanyol.

Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have largely operated as a front two for Los Blancos this season, with the pair both netting braces in Saturday's 5-1 win over Valencia.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently said that the Spanish giants would not be active in January, but they are expected to be heavily involved in next summer's transfer market.

Ancelotti's future is unclear, though, with the Italian only having a deal at Bernabeu until June 2024.