Manchester City are reportedly planning to fend off Real Madrid's interest in Erling Braut Haaland with a more lucrative financial package.
The Borussia Dortmund man is thought to be City's number one target in their search for a Sergio Aguero successor, and the Premier League champions are supposedly leading the race for his signature.
Despite being widely expected to complete a deal for Kylian Mbappe later in 2022, Real Madrid are one of several sides still credited with an interest in Haaland.
However, AS - via Sport Witness - states that Man City are better placed financially to complete a move for Haaland, with the possible exits of Isco, Marcelo and Gareth Bale still not freeing up enough money in Real Madrid's budget.
The report adds that Pep Guardiola has personally targeted Haaland as a priority signing, but the repaired relationship between agent Mino Raiola and Real Madrid could aid Los Blancos' cause.
Haaland has 21 goals and six assists to his name from 18 appearances in all competitions this season and is also believed to be on the radar of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
The 21-year-old remains contracted to BVB until the end of the 2023-24 season, although he recently revealed that the club are pressuring him to make a decision on his future.
Ben Knapton
