Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he is still in contact with his protege Erling Haaland as speculation mounts that the striker could be heading for the Premier League this summer.
Super agent Mino Raiola fuelled the speculation this week when he discussed the Borussia Dortmund star’s future and claimed there were only four English clubs who could afford his client.
Solskjaer, who worked with the Norwegian in his time in charge at Molde, refused to answer direct questions about United’s long-standing interest in the 20-year-old.
But he added: “I think when you’ve had kids and players through as a coach you follow them of course and I keep in touch with Erling.
“And it’s great to see him become the player he has become and I know he’ll work to improve all the time.
“He’s a Dortmund player and we just wish him well there and let’s see what life will bring later on.”
Raiola claimed there were a total of 10 clubs across the planet who could afford Haaland if, as expected, Dortmund decide to cash in on a player who has scored 27 goals in 25 games across all competitions this season.
Solskjaer would not be drawn directly on potential interest in Haaland but the youngster would clearly fit United’s strategy.
He said: “One, you know I can’t speak about Erling, because he’s at Borussia Dortmund, and I think it’s disrespectful to talk too much about it apart from that I know him and I speak to him. Who wasn’t interested in him a year ago?
“Everybody would say you would take the best players in the world and Erling is a top player. But for me, the recruitment we’ve done has done well.
“We have to complement what we have in our group with other different types of players and also young players. I’m happy with our recruitment model and the processes that we go through.”
United face Real Sociedad tonight in their Europa League last 32 second leg tie, leading 4-0 from the first game and all but through.
Solskjaer has named the same squad that beat Newcastle on Sunday, with Edinson Cavani, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek out injured.
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