THE CURIOUS CASE OF ERLING BRAUT HAALAND

We all know who Haaland is, or do we? 6 ft 4 Borussia Dortmund striker, not human, terminator, goal-scoring machine, lab experiment gone well, wicked left foot, no time for fancy footwork and all of that, proper Gunman at just 20, and arguably only behind Mbappe in the next-generation list. Yeah, that guy.

Haaland was in the news last week as popular sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that his super-agent Mino Raiola and father Alfe-Inge Haaland, travelled to Spain to have talks with both Barcelona and Real Madrid with both clubs interested in the Norwegian striker. Fabrizio confirmed that Mino and Haaland's father would also be going to England to speak with interested clubs; Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal fans look away; you ain't got the juice like that.

Haaland's Dortmund contract does not expire until 2024, although it is thought to contain a release clause of 75m euros (£64m) that can be activated in 2022.

Here's a look at the touted clubs interested in Haaland and their possible edge and shortcomings in this apparent 6 way 'transfer battle'.

Barcelona

The first club visited in the travel, new Barcelona President Joan Laporta is desperate to make a statement signing in his new tenure as President and Haaland fits the mould. Barcelona currently do not play with an out and out number 9 with Griezmann currently leading the line. There is Martin Braithwaite, but he is not that guy. Joan Laporta is desperate to keep Lionel Messi too, so the prospect of a Messi-Haaland partnership looks extremely exciting on paper.

As things stand though, Barcelona are simply not in a position to make this deal happen. The Blaugrana are nearly 1.2 billion pounds (£1.1bn/$1.5bn) in debt. Of even greater concern, though, is the fact that their short-term debt is approximately 500m pounds (£425m/$590m) and must be repaid by June 30.

No one really knows what Laporta has up his sleeve but we'll be keeping a close eye on that one.

Real Madrid

The second club visited on the travel, Real Madrid are a club used to having the 'Galactico' signings so it's no surprise that they are linked strongly to the Norwegian. Unlike Barcelona, real Madrid look like they actually have money to spend. Reports, albeit unconfirmed, have already mentioned that Haaland and his representatives would prefer a move to Real Madrid.

One shortcoming to this deal pulling through is Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe seems like the ultimate Galactico signing for Real Madrid and if there is as little as a 20% chance they could get the French star, expect them to drop all interest in Haaland.

Manchester City

Manchester City announced last week that striker Sergio Aguero would be leaving the club after 10 years. With the somewhat inconsistent Gabriel Jesus the only number 9 present, City could be looking to sign another striker and Haaland could just be that guy. Of all the clubs in England, Manchester City appear to be the best prospect, not also forgetting the fact that Haaland's father, Alfe-Inge, played for City.

One major shortcoming to this deal happening this summer though would be Pep Guardiola's comments regarding a new striker.

"With these prices, we are not going to buy any striker," Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday. "It is impossible, we cannot afford it."

"All the clubs struggle financially and we are not an exception. We have Gabriel [Jesus], Ferran [Torres], a lot of player s in the academy, and we sometimes play with a false nine. There are a lot big chances that we are not going to sign a new striker for next season."

For what it's worth though, I do not believe Guardiola one bit. His slippery moves FPL wise and opposition team praise, only to beat them silly, has taught me one or two things.

Chelsea

Chelsea recruited big last summer signing the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in attack. These two signings have not reaped dividends, especially Timo Werner. With Tammy Abraham being frozen out of the side too, there is talk of Chelsea being on the lookout for another striker, and there's no striker in as much demand as Erling Haaland.

A report from Mundo Deportivo suggested that Roman Abramovich would try to sign Haaland this summer if Manager Thomas Tuchel guides Chelsea to a top 4 finish.

I really do not see Haaland going for Chelsea, but like last year, money might not be a problem once again for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

Manchester United

Manchester United are still interested in Haaland and rightfully so. The Red Devils were tipped to sign Haaland in late 2019, only to reportedly decide against doing that due to a number of demands made by his agent, Mino Raiola.

Main striker Anthony Martial has failed to deliver this season and Edinson Cavani is not getting any younger.

Raiola's demands could still be a major stumbling block, but if United are ready to do business (it's a no brainer that they have to), Mino Raiola is always ready.

Liverpool

There is not much on Liverpool's interest in Haaland, but as reported, they are one of the clubs that agent Mino Raiola would be making a stop at. Currently, it does not look like Liverpool have the financial power, but when a talent like this is in the market, do not be surprised that the money will come out from somewhere.

Dortmund have indicated they want at least £128m for the 20-year-old this summer and it remains to be seen if Dortmund would be willing to sell for lower than that (I don't think they would). As last season showed up with Jadon Sancho, they are ever ready to play hardball.

It's still early stages though, and a lot could still change, but best believe it's going to be an interesting summer.