Bayern chief reveals truth about pursuits of Man City star Erling Haaland and Manchester United hero Ronaldo

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has admitted that the club tried to hijack Manchester City’s approach for Erling Haaland.

The attacker sealed a move to the Etihad for £51m and is already favourite to win the Golden Boot after scoring nine in his first four league games. The 22-year-old netted 86 times in 89 matches for Borussia Dortmund and after seeing him close up, Bayern tried to lure him to the Allianz Arena.

The two parties were in talks but an agreement couldn’t be reached. In the end, the Bundesliga champions brought in Sadio Mane from Liverpool, who has netted five goals in six games.

READ MORE: Man City told the only surprise with Erling Haaland's Premier League start

"We were in talks [for Haaland], but it became clear that things might not work out that way for both sides,” Salihamidzic told Sky Germany. “That's why he's at Manchester City now and that's why we have other players."

Meanwhile, Bayern were quick to rule out a possible move for Cristiano Ronaldo when he handed in a transfer request to Manchester United this summer. Salihamidzic described him as a “great footballer” but admitted that he was never a real consideration.

He added: "He's an incredibly big personality. A big player who has made his mark on the world of football in recent years.

"It wasn't an option for us because we were doing other things and before that we organised our offensive in such a way that they, but you don't have to feel sorry for him. He's a great footballer who has achieved great things in recent years."

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