Erling Haaland to Man City good news for Phil Foden but may mean uncertainty for Raheem Sterling

Reports that broke on Friday night suggesting Manchester City have a deal in place to sign Erling Haaland this summer understandably got fans very excited indeed.

MEN Sport understands City are still “cautious” about their chances of landing Haaland but are in “pole position” to sign the Borussia Dortmund superstar and ready to meet his £63m release clause.

The measured official line is understandably in contrast to wider giddy anticipation across the supporter base, while there are likely to be a range of emotions among players already in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Undoubtedly, there will be excitement over linking up with another elite talent but some might fear the arrival of Haaland would limit their own playing time.

Guardiola boasts a superb array of forward options, even if he lacks a specialist senior No.9. That alone might be an issue, as Haaland arriving to be the main man would mean one place being locked down in the front three rotation.

Here, we have quick look at what it might mean for the Blues’ attacking collective.

City fans revelled in speculating over what Foden and Haaland were whispering about behind their hands after the Champions League quarter-final win against Borussia Dortmund last year. Now some of those memes might be about to come true.

As a fellow 21-year-old with the capacity to be one of the very best in the world over the next decade, a Haaland alliance should excite Foden more than pretty much any other City player, even if it would be more likely to shape up with the England international back in his natural position of midfield.

Haaland’s much-discussed release clause and the fact that mammoth agent and signing-on fees are not included in transfer totals mean Grealish is set to remain