According to the Insider Notebook, Manchester City are hoping to beat Real Madrid to sign Erling Haaland. Spain draw up a list of replacements for Luis Enrique, Nkunku is set for contract talks, and the Flamengo-Pereira deal is at risk of falling through. According to sources, Manchester City are confident they can beat out Real Madrid to sign Erling Haaland. City are confident they can put together a financial package to cover the -75 million release clause in Haaland's contract, as they are in the market for a forward. Sources said that the departures of Angelino, Ferran Torres and Jack Harrison have left City in a strong financial position ahead of the summer window. - Stream LIVE games and replays on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Five strikers who could replace Haaland at Dortmund They believe the lure of working with the man who has won three of the last four league titles can convince Haaland to join the club. Haaland's father, Alfie, played for the club between 2000 and 2003 and Haaland has a personal connection to him. The inclusion of a release clause in any contract he signs with City is considered a hurdle but not one that cannot be overcome. According to sources, Madrid are still interested in the 21-year-old, but they want to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer this summer. The outcome of the Haaland soap opera is what Madrid are waiting for. According to sources, they want to strengthen central midfield with a player who can give Casemiro competition, with AS Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni on the list. The rest of Madrid plans will be affected by Haaland's decision because the club are aware that they won't have the same money for additional players if they sign the Norwegian. According to sources, Madrid are pessimistic about their chances of signing Haaland because they think City are the favorites. Sources have told ESPN that Athletic Club coach and former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is one of the candidates to replace Luis Enrique as Spain coach. The Royal Spanish Football Federation has a contract with Luis Enrique that ends after the World Cup in 2022. Sources say that the ex-Barca manager is one of the candidates to take over at Manchester United next season. Hunter explains why Luis Enrique is perfect for Man United.
- World Cup pots confirmed for Friday's finals drawMan City confident of beating Real Madrid to Haaland deal
Spain draw up shortlist of Luis Enrique replacements
The RFEF want to keep Luis Enrique in his job but are already looking at alternatives if he leaves.
When asked if he would extend his contract with the Spanish FA once the World Cup is over, Luis Enrique dodged the question.
He said that he would be with Spain at the World Cup and that he would be in the Middle East. I want to represent the national team more than any other position.
In the past, the Spanish FA has renewed the contract of a national team coach before the start of a major tournament to show confidence in the project.
The former Spain international took the reins for the first time in 2018 but stepped down due to personal reasons in June 2019, with Robert Moreno taking his place, but RFEF president Luis Rubiales again turned to Luis Enrique after the brief spell at the helm. He agreed to reduce his wages by 25% in order to help the finances of the FA.
The FA are looking at alternatives if Luis Enrique decides to return to coaching after the World Cup.
The preferred option is the one that has a similar style of play to Luis Enrique. The Basque club holding presidential elections in June could affect the future of the man who has a contract with Athletic at the end of the season.
Since he has been without a job since he was dismissed by Barcelona, he is an option for the FA.
The coach who has performed well at Getafe since replacing Michel is also on the list of potential candidates.
According to sources, Christopher Nkunku will be the subject of contract talks with the club this summer, but they will listen to offers in excess of 75 million dollars.
Nkunku has enjoyed a breakthrough season for Leipzig this year, with 15 goals and 11 assists in 27 games.
According to sources, Nkunku's form has attracted the attention of Europe's top teams with Manchester United,Liverpool,Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City all monitoring his situation. The asking price for him is 75 million dollars, so he will struggle to meet it.
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The club is trying to get the player to stay for an extra season. According to sources, the club are hoping their relationship with his agent will help their cause, but it will be difficult to keep him if a team offers 75 million dollars.
Sources say Nkunku is hopeful that the club will accept a bid.
Nkunku could leave this summer, but Gvardiol is staying. The highly rated 20-year-old defender has enjoyed a remarkable season in the Bundesliga, following his move from Dinamo Zagreb last summer.
Sources said that the Croatia international can play at both left and centre-back but will reject any offers to play there this summer.
According to sources, Flamengo are at risk of missing out on a permanent deal for Manchester United's Andreas Pereira with negotiations still not finalized.
A clause for a percentage of any future move for the Manchester United player has been agreed by Flamengo.
With Flamengo not yet in a position to complete the deal because of uncertainty around their finances, clubs from Spain, the Netherlands and England are circling.
A number of European clubs have inquired about the availability of Pereira, who scored five goals in 24 games in Brazil last season, and who is willing to accept a pay cut to move away from Manchester United.
PSV Eindhoven, where Pereira played between 2005 and 2011, are among the clubs that have registered an interest, according to sources. A move to Spain is one of the things that the Brazil international is interested in.
If a suitable offer is made, Pereira will be allowed to leave United.