LaLiga English

Real Madrid will make bid for Erling Haaland perfect replacement for Karim Benzema ‘if attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe fails’

Real Madrid is reportedly turning their attention to Borussia Dortmund star striker Erling Haaland if they fail in their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain dynamo Kylian Mbappe.

The LaLiga giants have been long-term admirers of Mbappe but the debilitating financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic seriously hampered their plans this summer.

The Los Blancos are still intent to lure the impressive 21-year-old forward away from the Parc des Princes but also see Dortmund star Haaland as a highly promising option as an alternative plan, according to Marca, with the report appearing on the front page of the Spanish newspaper on Tuesday morning, with the headline reading: ‘Haaland if Mbappe does not come.’ 

Mbappe has now entered the final two years of his contract in France with PSG obviously desperate for him to agree new terms.

Haaland is reportedly seen as a alternative perfect replacement option – and definitely a more affordable one than Mbappe – for current striker Karim Benzema who turns 33 in December, while £62million signing Luka Jovic has failed to make an impact at the Bernabeu.

Haaland bagged a stunning hat-trick in the 4-0 UEFA Nations League thrashing of Romania on Sunday to make it 51 goals in his last 48 games for club and country.

He was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United prior to his switch to Dortmund earlier this year and United are reportedly still keen on the 20-year-old.