The Norwegian striker has been linked with an exit (Picture: Getty)
Pep Guardiola has issued a fresh hands-off warning to Real Madrid over the potential signing of Erling Haaland, suggesting Manchester City plan to keep the star striker at the club for a decade.
Haaland broke the Premier League goalscoring record for a single season last term but reports in Spain have suggested he was unhappy and looking for a move away from the club.
Real Madrid have emerged as a potential destination for the Norwegian, who is back fit and likely to start tonight against Brentford after two months out with a foot injury.
However, Guardiola has hit back, once again, at the possibility of Haaland leaving in the summer and said the club have long-term plans for the 23-year-old.
‘What do you think? That we don’t want Erling to stay here for one decade?’ the Spaniard said, speaking ahead of his side’s trip to west London.
‘We want him to stay for a long, long time at this club. We are in love with him.
‘It is always about the desire of the player and the club. He arrived last season. His impact was incredible at the beginning of [this] season, then he had two months injured.
Haaland could be in line for a return to the starting XI on Monday (Picture: Getty)
‘What happens in the future, honestly I don’t know. We are happy to have him. Hopefully, he is happy to be with us.
‘You have to ignore it [media speculation]. If someone wants Erling, it’s easy — phone, call and ask. That is what we do to sign someone. It’s not complicated.’
City are expected to hand Haaland a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.
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The striker is expected to return to the starting XI for Monday’s game against Brentford as Guardiola’s side look to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
City would also still have a game in hand following their exploits in the Club World Cup late last year.
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