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Ex-coach claims Erling Braut Haaland's 'heart is in England'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 08 April 2021

Ex-coach claims Haaland's 'heart is in England'

Erling Braut Haaland's ex-coach Gunnar Halle believes that a bit of the striker's heart belongs in English football given his father's links with the Premier League.

Erling Braut Haaland's former coach Gunnar Halle has said that the striker's connections to England through his father could potentially influence his next career move.

Haaland is one of the most sought-after players in world football following his prolific performances for Borussia Dortmund, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all thought to be in the running for his signature.

The striker's father Alf-Inge Haaland spent 10 years in English football between 1993 and 2003, and Erling Haaland himself was born in Leeds, so Halle is convinced that a bit of his heart is in English football amid intense speculation surrounding his future.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Halle said: "It's difficult to say with the Spanish and English interest there are so many things now that have to be considered with his agent and everything and the money, of course, will be quite a lot.

"But of course I think a little bit of his heart will be in England because his dad was playing there with Leeds and City but also his connection with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so I think his dad will maybe play a part.

"Erling will be thinking about where he can have more success in the way he is playing and not the money, he will get a lot of money anywhere.

"I think they will see where he can play his best football and where the team and manager can help him. So it's difficult to say at this moment."

Haaland's father and agent Mino Raiola have already held preliminary talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona over Haaland, who has struck 33 goals in 33 games across all competitions this season.