Transfer Rumors: Haaland Negotiates With Real Madrid; Man Utd’s Record-Breaking Bid

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has intervened amid growing concern that star striker Erling Haaland is actively negotiating with Real Madrid, requesting that the Norwegian suspend all contact with the Spanish giants until the current campaign concludes, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.

The development comes as City brace for a summer of intense speculation surrounding their prolific No. 9, whose representatives have reportedly opened discussions over a potential move to the Bernabéu. Guardiola’s plea underscores the club’s determination to keep Haaland focused on the season run-in, even as Madrid accelerate plans for a major squad overhaul.

While the Haaland situation dominates headlines, Manchester United are simultaneously plotting a seismic statement of their own. In anticipation of Casemiro’s anticipated departure—sources indicate the Brazilian hopes to remain in Europe and could reunite with former Madrid teammate Luka Modrić at AC Milan—United have identified Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as their preferred midfield replacement. TEAMtalk reports that Old Trafford officials are willing to eclipse the £89 million ($120.1 million) fee paid for Paul Pogba in 2016 to secure the 21-year-old, a move that would shatter the club’s transfer record.

United’s goalkeeper carousel is also set to spin, with Turkish stopper Altay Bayındır heading to Beşiktaş after the Istanbul giants agreed a €5 million (£4.4 million, $5.9 million) deal, Fanatik confirms.

Across the Premier League, Brighton’s 20-year-old midfielder Jack Hinshelwood has emerged as a prime target for both Arsenal and Manchester City, CaughtOffside reveals, while Sporting CP will consider offers exceeding €40 million for coveted centre-back Ousmane Diomande, placing Crystal Palace and Newcastle United on alert.

Tottenham, braced for a rebuild of their own, are bracing for renewed approaches on two home-grown talents. Spurs are set to reignite interest in Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, Sports Boom notes, and have already fielded a €50 million (£43.6 million, $58.9 million) bid from Real Madrid for teenage midfielder Archie Gray, with Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation.

Chelsea’s extensive scouting network travelled to Lyon on Sunday primarily to assess Madrid loanee Endrick, but former Blue Diego Moreira stole the show, FootballTransfers reports. Liverpool and United are meanwhile tracking Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, who is open to a summer switch, while Aston Villa value in-demand midfielder Morgan Rogers at more than last summer’s £80 million ($108 million) asking price.

In Spain, Real Madrid are weighing moves for Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella—valued at €80 million—and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha, as they prepare for life after veteran keeper Thibaut Courtois. Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen head their goalkeeper shortlist, with Chelsea circling Castilla prospect Fran González.

Barcelona’s financial constraints continue to shape their strategy. The Catalans have been warned United will not entertain a discount on Marcus Rashford’s €30 million purchase option, with PSG ready to table €50 million, while any permanent deal for on-loan defender João Cancelo hinges on the Portuguese convincing Al Hilal to release him on a free. Despite agent denials, Barça remain in constant dialogue over Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, have knocked back Liverpool’s approach for winger Allan, determined to retain the Brazilian until at least 2026, and West Ham face paying nearly double their initial €12 million valuation for Flamengo’s Everton Araújo after Bundesliga interest drove the price upward.

As the summer window looms, the battle lines are drawn: Madrid court Haaland, United ready a record splurge, and Guardiola fights to keep his talisman on task for the season’s decisive weeks.