Manchester United losing out on Erling Haaland completes shift of power to Man City

Manchester United never stood a chance.

The future of Erling Haaland was shaping up to be the transfer saga of the summer, with Europe's top clubs all readying themselves for a heavyweight clash for his signature, but Manchester City appear to have beaten them to the punch before the first bell. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and United all left in their wake.

The deal isn't quite done yet and City are remaining cautious, but they are certainly in pole position. The Manchester Evening News understands that the club are able to meet the £63million release clause and any further add-on, with the whole deal is expected to wind up being closer to £100m, while sources in Spain and Germany say the Norwegian has agreed personal terms.

READ MORE: Man City stance on Erling Haaland amid transfer reports

Of course, the deal isn't done until Haaland is holding the scarf aloft at the Etihad, which City know all too well after being stung in the past. But this time it feels different. With Madrid and Bayern already having top No.9s still doing excellent things, Barcelona not having the cash and Paris Saint-Germain being a circus, there really is no other logical choice than City, who need a striker. Throw in the already established emotional connection due to his father, Alf-Inge, playing for the club makes it all too perfect.

The stars have aligned for the Blues - and the Premier League, for the first time - to get one of the soon-to-be best players in the world. If he isn't already.

Despite the Premier League largely being regarded as the world's best division, the absolute best players in the game have never joined it while at the top of their powers. Cristiano Ronaldo left before he reached his