What Erling Haaland's dad told Man City icon Paul Dickov about potential transfer

Manchester City legend Paul Dickov says he's tried to influence Erling Haaland's camp to move to the Etihad by messaging the striker's dad.

Dickov played with Alf-Inge Haaland during the Norwegian's time at City, which saw Haaland junior pictured in City shirts as a child. Erling and Alf-Inge also attended Wembley to watch City in another picture that has been widely circulated, with the club hoping that personal affection for the Blues will work in their favour to sign the Borussia Dortmund frontman.

MEN Sport understand City are in pole position to sign Haaland, although reports that a deal has been agreed are premature as things stand. Now, former striker Dickov has revealed messages he sent to his former teammate Haaland to try and get an insight into the move.

ALSO READ: Man City receive huge Ruben Dias injury boost for Southampton FA Cup game

Speaking to MEN Sport on behalf of OLBG, Dickov said: "Erling Haaland, if they manage to get him, you look at the quality and creative players around that team, then the service of quality into him would be fantastic.

"There's Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Grealish; the list goes on. I might be slightly biased because I played with Haaland's dad, Alfie, and I've been trying to get into him to see what's happening, but he's giving nothing away at all.

"He did message me a few months back whilst there was a City game going on and I messaged back saying all we needed was a 21-year-old, 6ft 4ins Norwegian centre forward! I just got sent back a load of laughing emojis, he's giving nothing away.

Get your free William Hill shop bet and special Cheltenham Festival pull-out with your Manchester Evening News every day from Tuesday to Friday this week. Follow this