Pep Guardiola has ‘no answer’ to reports linking Erling Haaland with Man City
Pep Guardiola has refused to comment on reports claiming Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
It has been claimed City are poised to trigger the Norwegian’s £63million release clause after agreeing personal terms, including weekly wages of £500,000 per week, with the 21-year-old’s representatives.
City have long been linked with Haaland, who is one of the game’s hottest properties, but manager Guardiola would not be drawn on the speculation.
Speaking at a press conference, the City boss said: “No answer to your question.”
Pushed further, he added: “No answer about these questions. I have another concern and business in my head right now (than) to think what will happen in this club next season.”
City have lacked an out-and-out centre-forward this season following the departure of record goalscorer Sergio Aguero at the end of the last campaign.
They have impressed operating with a false nine this term but, after failing in a high-profile attempt to prise Harry Kane out of Tottenham last summer, it is thought they may again target a specialist striker.
Haaland’s release clause potentially makes the Norwegian a more attractive target this year.
Guardiola said: “We don’t know what is going to happen in the future. For many years I never talk about transfer windows, especially when we have incredible things to play for this season.”
City saw their hopes of a treble ended as they were beaten by Liverpool in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Guardiola had made seven changes for the game as his players felt the effects of the previous Wednesday’s bruising Champions League game at Atletico Madrid and the Spaniard remains comfortable with his decision.
Asked if he had any